Lucas Decries Manipulation of Elections Outcomes

Sincerely, 

Dan Matthews

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Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:23:30 -0500
From: flowersliz123@gmail.com
To: danmatt@hotmail.com
Subject: Lucas Decries Manipulation of Elections Outcomes

MEDIA RELEASE February 15, 2013 For Immediate Release Contact: Liz Flowers Senate Democratic Caucus 404-291-4755 flowersliz123@gmail.com Lucas Decries Manipulation of Election Outcomes Non-partisan elections favor elite, wealthy and GOP, says Lucas Atlanta, Ga. - February 15, 2013 - Sen. David Lucas (D-Macon) exposed new maneuvering by Republicans to manipulate the outcome of elections in Georgia. Senate Bill 26 is one of a series of measures before the state legislature that will move elections from the standard second Tuesday in November to July. SB 26 in Bibb County and similar measures introduced by Fulton and DeKalb County GOP legislators would make many elections "non-partisan" and subsequently cause the elections to be moved to July instead of December. "SB 26 and similar legislation is an attempt to trick voters," said Lucas. "In the case of Macon and Bibb County, people voted to create a county commission elected during partisan elections in November. They did not agree to a government created in non-partisan elections held in the month of July when families travel and are often not in their home town." Lucas said that identifying with a particular political party helps voters to understand the principles a candidate stands for and how that individual might vote on future measures. Studies show that municipal, non-partisan elections have 20 percent lower turnout than comparable partisan elections. This effect is magnified for non-partisan elections conducted during elections that do not include a presidential or other headline race. In cities or counties without a manager, turnout among registered votes was 9 percentage higher in partisan versus non-partisan elections. Many voters rely on information sent by political parties to better understand the candidates and their platforms. Political parties are also a driving force behind voter turnout. SB 26 was signed immediately into law by Gov. Deal, but Lucas pointed out that there are a number of other measures, including proposed legislation in Fulton and DeKalb counties that would have a negative impact on minority voters and Democrats. Lucas said in the case of Bibb County, a predominately Democratic voting base SB 26, and measures like it, are designed to dilute black voting strength and flies in the face of the Voting Rights Act. "Nonpartisan elections favor the elite, the wealthy, and the Republican Party," said Lucas. "Scholars are virtually unanimous that nonpartisan systems in general disadvantage the poor, the working class, liberal voters, and Democrats. Make no mistake. These measures are designed by Republicans to repress Democratic voting. I have vowed to fight these measure in Washington and in court." ###

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