RICHMOND
The State Board of Elections is considering levying a $2,500 fine against the Suffolk Republican Party for not correctly labeling campaign literature that was distributed at polling places on Election Day.
Board staff members said Monday that index-card-size blue sheets of paper that listed how to vote for specific Republican candidates in Suffolk on Nov. 3 didn't properly cite whether the candidates authorized the material, as is required by state law. In addition, a note stating that the city's GOP paid for the sample ballots was printed too small, staff members said.
Stephen Trent, Suffolk Republican Party chairman, said he was upset over the accusations and also the timing. The board's letter informing him of Monday's hearing arrived Friday, he said. Trent, president of a Portsmouth tool business, said he cancel ed business plans to drive to Richmond.
"I'm walking in here and facing the election board of Virginia, and I have no idea what the charge was," Trent said told the panel. "I've never seen anything like this."
Board members agreed to postpone any action until their Jan. 13 meeting to give Trent time to prepare a response.
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FINALLY!
Because I am SICK TO DEATH of those ppl approaching me at the polling place as if they work for the board of elections, asking if I want to see a sample ballot. It was my understanding that they were supposed to stay a certain distance away from the election location, so if that's the case, I've witnessed their repeated violation of this rule--last year at the presidential election and again this year for the gubernatorial election. Nice going, guys--you're just confirming my opinion that you'll do whatever it takes to win, just like every other political party. You're no better or worse than any other, but you certainly do project the arrogance and self-righteousness that make less intelligent people fall for your scams.