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AlterNet: Now I�'s Clear Why Some People Are Scared of Early Voting: Because I� Empowers P... Page 2 of 2 <br />After having spent the last fo�ir weeks helping Ohioans take ac�vantage of the early <br />voting scheme, we are e�en rnore convinced that early voting enhances democracy. <br />It allows more people to vote -- pIain and simple: Mosi Americans take voting <br />seriously, but it`s not like �lection Day is a national hol�day� Oh no -- voters �re <br />expected to tuck the tiask of ballot casting in between work and school and <br />coininuttng and alI �he realities af modern life. Never mind the natario�s polling <br />center line-ups and moody anachrn�s that Ohioans knaw all toa �vell, or GOP <br />intimidation (the Huffngton Past recently reported that Republicans intend to p�ace <br />3,600 paid recruits inside Ohio po�ling places on Election Day to challenge the <br />qualifica�ions o� certain voters}. <br />aur vans have firansported aIl manner of Ohioans -- af Bobby Johnsons -- who are <br />unlikely to have voted otherwise. Nick drove an elderly Dayton man to v�te early <br />who �igured his absentee ballat �ould be lost at the housing project where he lives. <br />Caty drove Colurnbus college stud�nts who were too excited to wait until November <br />4. Erik drove a transient Cincinnati woman who for farty years, has abstained from <br />elections, thinking her vote didn't matter. Rafiq has driven countless youtig <br />Cleveland men who most people fear or o�r�rlook as part of the urban scenery. <br />1Vloving nearly 3500 Ohioans to �ar1y Voting Centers has helped us understand aIl <br />too well r�vh� oppanents would d�vote precious time and resaurces to canvincir�g tfle <br />public fihat early voting is trouble: because it helps bring marginaliz�d people in <br />from the margins: And that must threaten them to the bone. Cha�lenging democracy, <br />indeed. <br />Vole Today_Ohia is eager�ly calling any and all volunteers ta help Yvith the final <br />push. <br />�'am Kapaor is t�ie Media Dir�ector of Vote Today Qhio. <br />� 2009 lndependent M�dia lnstitute. All rights reserved. <br />�iew this stary online at: httP://www.alternet.orglstory/1057441 <br />http:ll��v.alternet.orglmod�ule�Iprintversionl105744 2/3/2009 <br />