Dems Offer To Help Rig New Orleans Elections

Not that this is any news.

From the Associated Press:

DNC makes plans to reach displaced voters

Mar 30, 8:41 PM EST

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Democratic National Committee is setting up toll-free phone lines and airing ads on black radio stations, hoping to spur participation in next month’s municipal election.

The DNC is the latest group to get involved in the city’s April 22 election. Besides the mayor’s race, city council seats, tax assessors and other key city offices are up for grabs.

Black activists and civil rights groups worry that many evacuees living outside New Orleans may find it hard to vote.

The DNC said its effort was nonpartisan and that it was not supporting any particular candidate. The radio ads will air in Atlanta, Houston and Baton Rouge, major cities with hurricane evacuees.

"Our mission is simple: To reduce any impediment and to make sure their voices are heard," said Louisiana native and veteran Democratic activist Donna Brazile. She is also the chair of the DNC’s Voting Rights Institute.

A federal judge has approved an election plan that includes setting up polling places in 10 Louisiana cities, easing absentee voting rules and bringing in workers from beyond New Orleans to help the strapped local agencies.

Their mission is simple all right.

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