DOJ Reviewing Video After Claims Somali Voters Were Illegally Coached

Federal prosecutors in Maine are examining security-camera video from Lewiston City Hall after claims that helpers for Somali-speaking voters steered how those residents filled out ballots. U.S. Attorney Andrew Benson confirmed the review, and a Justice Department spokesperson said an inquiry is underway without offering specifics. The video came to light through a public-records request filed by The Maine Wire, which says about 140 hours of recording show more than 200 Somali voters getting help during early voting, which opened October 13. Daily Wire reports that some of the clips appear to show interpreters pointing at or handling ballots. Maine Wire reporter Jon Fetherston said he witnessed similar conduct in person on October 20. State law lets voters who cannot read or mark a ballot, because of disability, illiteracy or religious faith, ask for an aide, who may carry out the voter's wishes but not guide the choices. Pointing at or touching a ballot does not on its own show a violation. The timing is sensitive: Republican Senator Susan Collins faces a close reelection contest against Democrat Troy Jackson, and the Justice Department has recently announced several illegal-voting prosecutions ahead of the November 3 election.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Daily Wire’s reporting. Read the full story at Daily Wire →