Florida's early voting began Saturday with poll monitors on hand to ensure everyone eligible is able to vote. The AFL-CIO is one organization monitoring the polls and executive vice president, Arlene Holt Baker, said they're already hearing allegations of tampering with the Florida voting process.
Baker said several African-American have received phone calls saying they can vote with their phone key pads, which is not true.
"These are the kinds of things, this trickery, that we expect to happen," Baker said. "We will be monitoring any group attempting to intimidate or harass a voter in any way."
There are also reports of entire communities not receiving absentee ballots.
Labor and community group volunteers will be on-site at polling places to assist voters who encounter any problems. The hotline to report problems is (866) OURVOTE. For Spanish speakers, the number is (888) VEYVOTA.
Florida voters are required to bring photo ID to the polls such as government-issued photo IDs, student IDs, nursing home or neighborhood association IDs, or debit cards with photo and signature.
"We're gearing up for all kinds of shenanigans that could possibly happen in Florida," Baker said. "Florida has a history, and I think a lot of eyes will be on Florida this election."
The Florida AFL-CIO is also working with 40 attorneys in 10 target counties, and more than 200 volunteers, in addition to coalition partners. They say their effort is strictly nonpartisan.
- Florida News Connection
