[EL] MD robo-calls

[Chandler Davidson]

“Md. robo-calls: Ehrlich aide, consultant accused of trying to suppress black vote”

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Rick Hasen



Regarding the 2010 rob-calls attributed to the aide, WaPo says the following:


The indictments might be the first in the country involving Election Day attempts to suppress voting using robo-calls, experts said. The case also appears to be a rarity nationwide, one in which prosecutors might have the physical evidence necessary to prove intent to commit voter suppression, experts said.

“I have taught elections law for decades, and never in my life have I seen anything like this,” said Larry S. Gibson, a professor at the University of Maryland Law School. “It’s the unusual case of having a smoking gun. Usually intent has to be implied by a person’s conduct. . . . Here, it is in writing.”



 I find this a bit surprising.  My memory--admittedly fallible--is that robo-calls intended to suppress votes are reported in most election years.  Perhaps Prof. Gibson is referring to an existent script, rather than to the practice itself?

Chandler Davidson


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