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Monitors expected for some Fayette polls Tuesday

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@thecitizennews.com

Poll workers in Fayette County will be even more vigilant for voter fraud during Tuesday’s general election after a small number of fake voter applications were discovered by county elections officials.

About 10 voter registration applications came in using the addresses of local businesses, said Marilyn Watts, chairwoman of the Fayette County Elections Board. In some cases, the real names of voters were used, but the ages were changed, Watts said.

The ages of the fake applicants were listed as being in their 20s, Watts noted. She also said the applications appeared to be in the same handwriting.

The investigation has been turned over to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, Watts said.

Local poll workers will be asked to be especially diligent about certifying voters, particularly those who are voting for the first time, Watts said.

Also, Watts said, the Georgia Secretary of State’s office will provide a poll monitor in light of complaints lodged against one candidate about violating the campaigning distance at a local poll in the primary election. Poll workers complained that Roberta Abdul-Salaam campaigned within 150 feet at the Morning Creek precinct, which is at New Hope Baptist Church.

Salaam countered that she was not campaigning, but she merely wanted to inform poll officials that the sign indicating the 150-foot boundary was not erected as required by law.

Poll workers complained that Salaam returned to the poll later on election day with a video camera, which Salaam maintains was outside at all times.

Salaam, a Democrat, is facing off against Republican challenger Emory Wilkerson in the race for the District 74 seat in the state House of Representatives.

The Morning Creek precinct will have a news agency conducting an exit poll, Watts added.