header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
September 19
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house


The Real Side | Commentary by Joe Messina
| Monday, Oct 27, 2014

joemessinamugIf you want to see someone on the progressive left blow a gasket, talk about voter fraud. They will all you it doesn’t exist or it’s so small, it’s immeasurable. I say they can’t see the forest for the trees.

The hard part about voter fraud is, you have to prove the person knew what he was doing was illegal. Imagine hearing this at the polls:

Poll worker: Hello, your name?

Fraudulent voter: John Smith.

Poll worker: Sign here, Mr. Smith, and I’ll give you your ballot.

Poll worker: Sir, do you know that if you are not Mr. Smith and you are voting for him, it’s a federal offense punishable by fines and jail time?

Mr Smith: Yes, Mr. Poll Worker, and I assure you I’m Mr. Smith.

Have you ever heard this at the polls? Never.

One state assembly person voted 19 times and yes, she finally got caught. She tried to say she didn’t remember voting – 18 extra times?

In Florida, major cases of voter fraud go back to 1984 when it became so bad that it was hard to miss. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, types of voter fraud included:

• Someone voting on behalf of someone else.

• Purchasing or selling absentee ballots or someone’s vote.

• Non-city residents voting in municipal elections.

• Changing of ballots.

• Voting by absentee ballots under the name of deceased persons.

• Voting in the election by non-U.S. citizens.

• False statements or information being provided with regard to address information or changes of addresses on voter registrations.

• Possible use of certain addresses within the city limits as the “new address” for persons not residing within the city; done with the apparent sole purpose of permitting voting in the municipal election.

Andrew Ladanowski, owner of a computer software company, suspected the Florida’s Division of Elections wasn’t really verifying any information.

There were more than 700 voter ID cards in Florida that seemed to have been duplicated. He verified his suspicions by dong a quick analysis of Miami-Dade’s voting systems where, it turned out, there were 44 voter ID’s issued to the same person. Elections officials admit 42 of those 44 were duplicates.

But what I want to know is, can’t the computer systems find these issues? Can’t we divert some of the millions of dollars wasted on the Obamacare site (or any one of the hundreds of other government programs wasting good tax money) to cleaning up voter registrations?

When finished, he found more than 762 Florida voters have more than one county-issued voter ID card. Some are registered with the same address, and others are registered in different counties.

And a computer can’t flag this information? Why?

But hey, voter fraud doesn’t really exist. If you Google “voter fraud cases,” the first two pages come up with articles basically saying voter fraud doesn’t exist. Knowing how Google has been caught rigging search results, I kept digging. Guess what? Further back in the search results, you can find the truth. Unfortunately, most people don’t dig that deep.

I found tidbits like this all over left-leaning loon sites: “Voter Fraud Fact: Opponents of the Democratic Party like Fox News and opponents of government in general like the Koch brothers and are just some of the powerful groups behind the voter fraud controversy in the United States. They stand to lose the most money and power if Republicans lose elections.” (http://voterfraudfacts.com/)

If there’s really no voter fraud happening, I fail to see how expending the effort to clean up voter rolls (which supposedly don’t have a problem) will change the outcome of an election. If there’s no fraud, there won’t be anything to fix. So what’s the problem?

There are more than 81,000 voter irregularities on the Los Angeles County voter rolls. That includes duplicate names at the same address with one name simply missing a middle initial or typos of a name (such as “Connors” versus “Conors”) with the same birth dates, sex, etc. Another 3,100 are dead or are registered out of state. But liberals would have us just look the other way. There’s no fraud going on here.

North Carolina is looking into nearly 800 cases of voter fraud. In 2010, out of 7,500 votes cast, more than 2,600 were cast by people ranging in ages from 110 to 140. I guess if you want to live a long life, move to North Carolina. Don’t worry, there’s no voter fraud here.

There are about 28 states now that share voter registration information. It’s not automatic. The Secretary of State has to request updates and data dumps to cross-reference voters. North Carolina is one of the states cross-checking voters. In the first year of doing it, they found more than 36,000 registered voters had voted in more than one state. Yup, no voter fraud here.

Iowa recently referred more than 80 cases for investigation. Texas is investigating 311, with 51 convictions so far, and they are still moving through them. Ohio has 19 documented cases with one case being an elected official who said she voted twice for Obama. Her granddaughter also voted twice (her first time voting). Both used the absentee and poll voting methods. Georgia is investigating 301 cases.

Most states report investigations of suspected voter fraud. Massachusetts, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakota don’t release information as to whether there are investigations into alleged voter fraud or not. Hmm? That doesn’t sound very transparent.

In Maricopa County, Ariz., The Blaze reports: “A person wearing a Citizens for a Better Arizona T-shirt dropped a large box of hundreds of early ballots on the table and started stuffing the ballot box as a poll worker watched in amazement.” When questioned by a poll observer, his response was, “none of your business.” No fraud here, right?

Fraudulent voting activity is all over the place, including double voting, impersonation, vote buying and selling, ineligible voting, voter registration issues, and absentee voting issues.

So let me see if I have this right. You guys on the far left are good with…

Same day registration and voting. No ID. No proof of residency. No proof of citizenship. And you think none of that can easily lead to voter fraud? Are you serious?

Unfortunately, voter fraud is next to impossible to prove, and it must be done on a ballot-by-ballot basis, which is costly and is also why you don’t hear much in the way of prosecution.

But if you left-leaning folks really want a “victory” instead of a hollow win under the suspicion of cheating, then start requiring ID to vote, stop same-day registration and voting, and institute mandatory voter registration verification between counties and states. And poll workers need to be English-speaking United States citizens who are trained properly on how to operate the polls.

Otherwise, the right will eventually get its turn – and let’s see you try to cry foul then.

 

Joe Messina is host of The Real Side (TheRealSide.com), a nationally syndicated talk show that runs on AM-1220 KHTS radio and SCVTV [here]. He is also an elected member of the Hart School Board. His commentary publishes Mondays.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

3 Comments

  1. Betty Arenson says:

    Excellent article Joe. I’ve done a bit of research into this subject as well. You give many living examples of why the Election Integrity Project (EIP) is so very important. This topic should NOT be Left or Right; its supposed to be American Citizen. Every bad vote erases a legitimate one. People suffered and died to win voter equality. Generations now and those yet to come are getting the message its OK to cheat as long as you win. If pride and integrity are quashed, then what was it all about? Sad for our country’s history and sad for us now.

  2. jim soliz says:

    As the states you used for this article are the states most aggressive in promoting voter suppression, I would appreciate citations for the data you present. Thank you

  3. Bill says:

    Yes there is voter fraud in the form of redistricting and stopping the votes from those ornery repubs, otherwise there is none.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024
As my wife, Virginia, and I stroll through our magnificent city, we admire the beautiful paseos and the expansive open spaces, but what really catches our eye, is the diverse works of art at every turn.
Friday, Sep 13, 2024
As a father of three, I understand firsthand the importance of guiding our children through open communication and keeping them engaged in extracurricular activities and sports to foster their growth.
Thursday, Sep 12, 2024
You may have noticed that things look a little different around our city. Maybe you noticed the motion sensor lights at our parks, or the solar panels being installed in city parking lots.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
California State  Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) is urging residents to prepare an emergency evacuation plan as the Line Fire, Bridge Fire and several other wildfires continue to pose a serious threat to High Desert and foothill communities.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
As we approach the November 2024 elections, the importance of informed voting cannot be overstated. The choices we make at the ballot box will shape the future of our city, state and nation. Yet, in an era where soundbites often substitute for substantive discussion, how can voters truly grasp the complexities of the issues at hand?
Friday, Sep 6, 2024
As scorching triple-digit temperatures engulf Los Angeles County throughout the weekend and excessive heat warnings have been issued for many communities in Los Angeles County’s Fifth District, I urge residents to do their part to lessen the threat of wildfires.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
SRD Straightening Reigns, a therapeutic organization offering equine assisted psychotherapy, has been awarded $278,870 from the California State bedget to improve mental health services.
California Awards $278,870 in Funding to SRD Straightening Reins
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Carlos Guerrero to fill the board seat in Area 5, effective immediately, at its special Wednesday, Sept. 18 meeting.
COC Board of Trustees Appoints Carlos Guerrero to Area 5 Seat
California Institute of the Arts alums Alyssa Dressman Lehner and Clara Plestis captured Emmy Awards at the 76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
Two Calartians Win 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards
Valencia High School's Choir will hold a fall concert, "Broadway, Movies & Media" at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. at the Saugus High School Theatre, 21900 Centurion Way, Santa Clarita, CA 91350.
Sept. 26-27: Valencia High Choir Presents Fall Concert ‘Broadway, Movies & Media’
As my wife, Virginia, and I stroll through our magnificent city, we admire the beautiful paseos and the expansive open spaces, but what really catches our eye, is the diverse works of art at every turn.
Bill Miranda | Santa Clarita Arts, a Journey Through Creativity
The California Department of Public Health is encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated this season to protect themselves and loved ones from respiratory viruses.
CDPH: Stay Up to Date on Vaccines
The Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library in collaboration with Santa Clarita Valley Libraries will have a silent Book Auction beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, through 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 7.
Sept. 30: Public Libraries to Host Silent Book Auctions
1863 - Gen. Edward F. Beale loans money to A.A. Hudson and Oliver P. Robbins to erect toll house in Newhall Pass [story]
toll house
The Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino today announced the opening of multiple joint Local Assistance Centers to assist residents impacted by the Bridge and Line Fires.
Joint Assistance Centers Open for Residents Impacted by Bridge, Line Fires
Valencia Gynecology Associates, owned by longtime Santa Clarita Valley OB-GYN physician Don Nishiguchi, MD, has joined the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital network. 
Valencia Gynecology Assoc. Joins Henry Mayo Network
JCI Santa Clarita is proud to announce the upcoming Veteran’s Resource Fair, scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 at William S. Hart Park. 
Sept. 21: JCI Invites All Veterans to Upcoming Resource Fair
A "friendies" field tournament  is being  hosted by the Saugus Instrumental Music program, with support from Valencia High, later this month. 
Sept. 21: All Valley Showcase Comes to Valencia High
Public, member-supported 88.5 FM The SoCal Sound, Southern California’s leading Triple-A (adult album alternative) format radio station has announced the lineup for its inaugural “Year-End Bash” taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Dec. 7: CSUN Owned 88.5-FM The SoCal Sound Announces “Year End Bash” Lineup featuring Ben Gibbard
The Master's University cross-country teams continued their successful 2024 campaigns with strong finishes at the BIOLA Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, Calif.
TMU Women Win, Men Place Second at XC Invitational
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
LASD Announces New Policy on Law Enforcement Gangs
The biology department at California State University, Northridge has stayed committed to promoting STEM research carried out by K-12 students and teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
CSUN Student Research Journal Celebrates 28 Years of Inspiring Scientific Imagination
Did you know the SCVEDC has an interactive, online tool that provides themed virtual tours of the amazing features the community has to offer? 
SCVEDC Offers Virtual Business Tours of the Santa Clarita Valley
California Institute of the Arts alum and visionary filmmaker Tim Burton (Film/Video 1979) was honored with the 2,788th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
CalArts Alum Tim Burton Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
1962 - Articles of incorporation filed for Golden State Memorial Hospital on Lyons Avenue [story]
Golden State Hospital
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center welcomes back Jim Curry for an evening concert celebrating the music of John Denver on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Bella Vida.
Oct. 5: SCV Senior Center Welcomes Jim Curry ‘Take Me Home’
As part of the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency's ongoing commitment to ensuring local groundwater quality and reliability, the SCV Water recently began construction on a new treatment facility to remove perchlorate and volatile organic compounds at Well 205 in Valencia.
SCV Water Begins New Water Treatment Project in Valencia
Get ready to set sail at the Pirates SENSES Block Party, presented by the city of Santa Clarita, Thursday, Sept 19 from 7-10 p.m. on main street in Old Town Newhall.
Sept. 19: SENSES Pirate Block Party
No. 21 College of the Canyons football team knocked off No. 5 Fullerton College 29-13 on Saturday night behind a stifling defensive effort and five field goals from Luis Rodriguez.
No. 21 Canyons Knocks Off No. 5 Fullerton 29-13
Six of the seven Foothill League Varsity football teams begin league play Friday night, Sept. 20.
Foothill League Football Begins for SCV Teams
SCVNews.com