Selmians discuss politics
Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 5, 2004
At least some Selma residents have very strong opinions regarding the alleged case of voter coercion in the municipal elections.
Some could care less.
“I don’t really care,” Selma resident Cindy Morgan said.
Morgan was one of several interviewed regarding the alleged incident this week involving absentee ballots.
A pair of voters alleged coercion by Lorraine Capers at the ballot box.
Both women, mother and daughter Inez and Shirley Woods, claimed they were intimidated as Capers encouraged them to go vote absentee and drove them to the polls.
Capers denied all allegations in a written affidavit and several Selma City Election officials backed up her version of the events inside City Hall.
On Wednesday, a number of Selma residents were asked for their opinion regarding the allegations and whether they would change their votes in the upcoming race.
“Personally, I would say I don’t believe it,” Bill Potter said. “(But) I haven’t heard anything (regarding the issue) one way or the other.”
Glenn Smith believes it would be wrong for anybody to try and change the outcome of the vote.
“I think people should vote the way they want to vote,” he said. “That’s what the constitution is about.”
T’Horace Myles said he isn’t sure what to believe, but that someone should get to the bottom of the issue.
“I think its worth looking into,” Myles said. “I think somebody should step in and check it out.”
Kim Spence said she is skeptical.
“No one can force them to do anything,” she said. “People couldn’t make them (voters) get into that car. I think it was just crazy.”
Julie Mott admitted she didn’t know much about the politics of Selma, but she didn’t think anyone should coerce voters.
“I think its wrong,” Mott said. “I’m horrible with politics.”
While the opinions varied widely on the issue itself, most of those questioned didn’t believe it would effect the way they vote.
“I’m not voting for (Perkins) anyway,” Potter said.
Smith thought that no matter the outcome, that his vote would go to the best candidate for the job.
Myles, however, believed that the issue would effect voter turnout.
“It’ll stop a lot of young people,” he said. “They’ll wonder why they should vote.”