RNC Letter Warns Against Vigilante Poll Watchers

Talking Points Memo reports:

Fearful that a decades-old court order blocking the Republican Party from engaging in certain Election Day activities could be extended for many more years, the RNC is warning its members not to engage in poll watching or any other so-called “ballot security” measures.

The RNC’s concerns are heightened because of the vigilante poll watching GOP nominee Donald Trump has been calling for from the stump.

A lawyer for the Republican National Committee sent a letter on the issue Wednesday to RNC members, the Wall Street Journal reported. The letter cites a 1982 consent decree the RNC agreed to after Democrats sued it for activities at polling places that they said were aimed at suppressing the minority vote.

The letter, sent to members from RNC general counsel John Ryder, said that he wanted “remind you of the restrictions placed on the RNC by the consent decree,” according to the Wall Street Journal.

“You are encouraged not to engage in ‘ballot security’ activities even in your personal, state party or campaign capacity. If you elect to do so, please be aware that the RNC in no way sanctions your activity,” Ryder said in the letter, according to the report.

The consent decree is due to expire next year, but if the GOP is found in violation it can be extended until 2025. Raise your hand if you think any Trumpanzee will abide by this. (Tipped by JMG reader BK)