Subtle Voter Supression Techniques

Orleans Parish registrar of voters, Sandra Wilson, addressing the long lines today as early voting began for the November 4 election made the following remark.

"We're asking people to please be patient and to sort of adopt the attitude that you're going to the Jazzfest: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water."

Statements like this are troublesome because they may discourage some voters from turning out. For example, if I am going to adopt the attitude that I'm going to the Jazzfest then that means I expect someone will try and charge me 50 bucks to do it.



Update: In a related matter, this coming Saturday, New Orleans voters who wish to vote earlywill have an opportunity to literally parade to the polls. Unlike Jazzfest, there is no charge to participate.