As we’ve been reporting, a number of Boston University students faced challenges when they attempted to vote in last Tuesday’s special election. The challenges, based on a claim by alleged Ward 22 Democratic Committee member Bart McCauley that students shouldn’t be allowed to vote in the district in which their dorm rooms are located, almost certainly had no legal merit.
Here is a little more background information. Apparently, there is no restriction on who may issue voter challenges; the relevant state regulation allows "any election officer or other person" to challenge a voter. However, state law provides that anyone challenging a voter "for purposes of intimidation" or "for any other illegal purpose" may be subject to a fine. The regulation gives examples of the grounds that may be appropriate for challenges, but does not supply an exhaustive list, and there is no further definition of what constitutes "intimidation," nor is there a definition of "illegal purpose."
We would like to hear from anyone who was actually challenged last Tuesday, either in the comments or via email (click the "email me" link on the left sidebar). How did it happen? Was the challenger respectful? Was the ground for challenge clearly stated? Was the procedure set forth in the regulation followed? Were you allowed to cast your vote after filling out the required form? If you email us, we will not publish anything you tell us without permission. Thanks.
