Voter Suppression Text Messages Circulate Around Montana

By Matthew Frank, 11-04-08

A statement from the Montana Secretary of State’s Office:

HELENA--Today Secretary of State Brad Johnson’s office issued an advisory about a possible practical joke concerning today’s election.

This office has received a few complaints about text messages encouraging individuals to wait and vote on Wednesday because of long lines at polling places today. In all likelihood, this is a practical joke. But in case anyone actually believes these messages, Montanans should know: Election day is today. After eight o’clock p.m. today, there is no other opportunity to vote in the 2008 election.

Johnson said, “So far polling place lines are moving relatively quickly. There’s no reason any registered voter should choose not to vote. Jokes about trying to talk your political opponents into not voting are one thing. But if anyone believes it, we want to present them with the facts.”

It is in fact a violation of state and federal law.  The US Attorney’s office and the Montana Attorney General’s office have expressed an interest in the matter. Complaints about the subject should be directed to law enforcement.