Non-Profit Raided In Voter Fraud Probe

Questions Raised About ACORN’s Voter Registration Drive

(CBS)  CBS News Investigative Producers Pia Malbran and Wendy Krantz wrote this story for CBSNews.com.

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The Las Vegas headquarters of the nation’s largest grassroots community organization for low-income people was raided today by Nevada state authorities as part of a voter-fraud probe.

The raid was initiated by Nevada’s Secretary of State, Ross Miller, after a series of accusations that the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, also known as ACORN, was submitting voter registration lists to the state that contained false or duplicate names of voters.

“When we got [to the headquarters], no one was there so, there were no arrests,” Secretary of State spokesman Bob Walsh told CBS News. But, he added “agents did seize lots of records.”

CBS News has learned that the state’s investigation is focusing on the conduct of ACORN’s work force. Critics allege that ACORN hires workers “off the street” to sign up new voters, paying them by the number of voters registered - sometimes resulting in false and duplicate names. But an ACORN spokesman dismisses this allegation and told CBS News that workers are paid “by the hour” and “not by the number of people they sign up.”

In an official statement, ACORN Interim Chief Organizer, Bertha Lewis, called today’s raid “a stunt” and said it “serves no useful purpose other than discredit our work registering Nevadans and distracting us from the important work ahead of getting every eligible voter to the polls.” Lewis says any time ACORN “identified a potentially fraudulent application” they notified election officials. But, Lewis claims Nevada election officials “routinely ignored” ACORN’s concerns and “failed to act.”

The raid comes two months after state and federal officials formed a task force to go after election-fraud allegations. Earlier this year, U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey issued a memo to all Justice Department employees telling them in no uncertain terms that “politics must play no role in our efforts.”

ACORN has been around since the 1970’s and has offices nationwide to assist low-income people with a number of issues. Part of the organization’s mission is to help low-income Americans, minorities, and youth, who are “historically disenfranchised” from voting register for elections. ACORN’s website says they “helped more than 1.68 million citizens register to vote” for the 2004 and 2006 elections. And just yesterday, ACORN announced it had conducted its “largest and most comprehensive” voter drive for the upcoming presidential election helping “over 1.3 million Americans register to vote.”

[cbs4me3]

Hello Supreme Court, here we go again. What makes this particularly tragic, if true, is whether this is a nationwide practice. There must be accountability and transparency over the voter registration process.

[shawndxjohn]

This is the republicans trying to steal the election again.

[emelder]

Same old, same old ... Republicans trying to disenfranchise new voters. It''s Obama time!

[smurfcrusher]

NO impropriety should be tolerated, by either side.

The claims that workers were paid by number of registrations is not credible. We have this thing called "minimum wage".

If there was a bonus system for registrations, checks and balances should also exist to eliminate a perceived Conflict of Interest.

[guysta16]

Michael, perhaps you will have to excuse Fox for reporting the FACTS! The fact that is article doesn''t even bother to point out that these fraudulent officials tried to submit registrations for the Dallas Cowboys starting lineup. Or that they had submitted 27000 fraudulent registrations earlier this year is sad and not what I would call "unbias".

[strangeworld]

As long as republicans control anything in government, there will be corruption in election law favoring the wealthy and connected. In the republican mind, there''s always something to be afraid of...I guess poor people who vote are the newest boogeymen.

[guysta16]

Poor people voting isn''t the problem, its imaginary people that are the problem.

[tawpdawg111]

Isn''t that something.....our soldiers in Iraq go to their death to protect the fledgling democracy there while here at home elected officials are working to suppress the vote. What in heck is wrong with this picture?

[nextgenman]

America is in its death throes. I will mourn the Death of my Nation.

[musethalia]

Same old, same old ... Republicans trying to disenfranchise new voters. It''''s Obama time!

Posted by emelder

lolol - yep - that''s right - even if they''re dead, voting mulitple times or not a legal citizen...it''s BO time. you''re a true extreme lefty - atta boy.
love the comments of ''stealing elections'' and ''poor fla'' same old conspiracy theory bs - don''t turn this in to a gore event just because they may not be playing by the rules

[strangeworld]

"Poor people voting isn''''t the problem, its imaginary people that are the problem."

If they are imaginary, why are you afraid of them? That''s the problem, republicans are always talking about imaginary threats.

[strangeworld]

The wealthy of the US do not want others to vote...that''s the just of the issue. People need to turn out and vote this year in record numbers to return the US government to the citizen instead of letting it remain in the hands of big business.

[musethalia]

Isn''''t that something.....our soldiers in Iraq go to their death to protect the fledgling democracy there while here at home elected officials are working to suppress the vote. What in heck is wrong with this picture?

Posted by Tawpdawg111

what''s wrong w/ this picture? while you are right, our soldiers ARE protecting our freedom, they are not fighting/dying for the non-existant/dead or mulitple vote that degrades the process.

[hsinco-2009]

Isn''''''''t that something.....our soldiers in Iraq go to their death to protect the fledgling democracy there while here at home elected officials are working to suppress the vote. What in heck is wrong with this picture?

Posted by Tawpdawg111

what''''s wrong w/ this picture? while you are right, our soldiers ARE protecting our freedom, they are not fighting/dying for the non-existant/dead or mulitple vote that degrades the process.

Posted by musethalia at 08:01 PM : Oct 07, 2008

Nor are they fighting for VOTER SUPPRESSION!

You Repugs make me sick.

[musethalia]

If they are imaginary, why are you afraid of them? That''''s the problem, republicans are always talking about imaginary threats.


Posted by Strangeworld

that''s horse $hit - the dems are Queens of reining in the ''imaginary threat'' and using it against the public - much like a spoiled child not getting their way.

[musethalia]

Nor are they fighting for VOTER SUPPRESSION!

You Repugs make me sick.

Posted by HSinCO

right back atcha - you dems and what you consider ''debate'' thru name calling is pathetic - it''s the only way you know how to fight, no real answer, just constant bit(hing and me, me, me it''s all about me and blame everyone else who doesn''t agree w/ and coddle you on a mama''s t*t (as is true to form) gee-zus, I hope CO doesn''t stand for Colorado in your name - cause you''d be the minority...however, much like the state, thanks to lobbyists has anyway (can see why you''d be pi$$ed at the issue if that''s the case) as there''d be no ss# to vote with....unless it were a ''duplicate'' and you don''t get caught. nice.

[missingamerica]

Frankly, it is entirely too easy to set organizations like ACORN up to take the fall.

And you all have seen the Republican 527 committees in action - can you just rule out the possibility that Republicans or their beneficiaries or controllers are behind this?

Even before the Republicans got caught lying about WMDs and "yellow cake", the "Swift Boat" ads made it clear that they hold NO tactic - regardless of its legality or morality - to be "off limits".

[Arthur E. Lemay]

ACORN is a truly criminal organization which has been convicted of voter fraud several times. In addition, they extort money from banks to stop their protests over perceived violations of the CRA.

Barack Obama gave them millions of dollars of foundation and public money, and they reciprocated by helping to finance his run for the Senate. This is similar to the earmark he set to give a million dollars in public money to Michelle Obama''s employer who reciprocated by giving her a gigantic raise -- courtesy of the US taxpayer.

Obama trained ACORN operatives, and in Illinois he is referred to as the Senator from ACORN. The fact that he is so closely allied to this criminal group which in large part is responsible for the financial crisis seems to me to say he is complicit with criminal acts.

[missingamerica]

Obama trained ACORN operatives, and in Illinois he is referred to as the Senator from ACORN. The fact that he is so closely allied to this criminal group which in large part is responsible for the financial crisis seems to me to say he is complicit with criminal acts.

Posted by aelemay at 08:20 PM : Oct 07, 2008


WHAT? ACORN brought Wall Street down?

lolllll...how thoughtful of you to provide an immediate example of the fact that Republicans hold NO tactic - regardless of its legality or morality - to be "off limits".

[piprrr]

that''''s horse $hit - the dems are Queens of reining in the ''''imaginary threat'''' and using it against the public - much like a spoiled child not getting their way.


Given the WMD in Iraq, I think that makes the Republicans the reigning Kings of "Imaginary Threats."

[gravityshado]

As a Canadian, I just shake my head.
In federal elections we have government (no political connection) enumerators who visit every home in the country and register the voters. The only voters who might get missed would be the homeless although provision is made to allow them to vote as well.
When, in 1776, the US threw out the British tradition of democracy, they replaced it with a system that is anything but user friendly.

[missingamerica]

When, in 1776, the US threw out the British tradition of democracy, they replaced it with a system that is anything but user friendly.

Posted by gravityshado at 08:23 PM : Oct 07, 2008

I am sad to say that our Republicans seem to be intent on returning the U.S. to an aristocracy - hence their efforts to suppress voters, who in voting threaten that goal.

[maezeppa]

Raided because of 43 bad voter registration forms out of over 80,000? Less than a hundredth of one percent bogus? That is ridiculous. That is intimidation.

I''ve circulated initiative petitions and done registration drives and believe me, some jokers are going to put down "Donald T. Duck" or whatever. You try to weed them out but you might not catch them all. It''s not a big deal because nonexistent people don''t go to the polls.

[xtal2]

Keep in mind this action was directed by a Nevada''s secretary of state, who happens to be a democrat.

If your going to blame republicans, get your facts in order.

[kizzby1]

It is time to turn up the heat on who Obama is one way or another. The beginning of his political career is vague and suspect. He is no different than any other..he owes favors..my concerns are who they are owed

[reverendvee]

I wish this were surprising, but it isn''t. I''ve personally seen ACORN employees pull some pretty underhanded things, including telling people that petitions they sign are not valid unless they re-register to vote with every signature.

And for all the "Obama is involved" conspiracy theorists, this started way before Obama became senator.

[burfnyc]

For all those that continue to spew the propaganda...
Senator Obama NEVER worked for ACORN, nor trained organizers. Obama was involved with Project Vote, which was not affiliated with ACORN.
His sole involvement with ACORN, was representing them in a lawsuit.

[wogerwabbit]

Another Republitards manufactured non-issue to distract the public from their culpability in our present financial disaster. We know who to blame... BS issues like this are all that''s left to the tards since they can''t win on the issues. Screeching points. Pitiful... I''m gonna go watch the debate.

ACORN has been around since the 1970%u2019s and has offices nationwide to assist low-income people with a number of issues.

Yeah, and too bad Obama is head deep with ACORN, in fact it trains community organizers with same pinko commie ideology that Saul Alinsky trained Obama with.

They''''re a totally nasty lot, already indicted several times.

Posted by GetRealTex
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Thank you for your post. I hadn''t thought of calling someone "totally nasty." How quaint. And I haven''t heard "pinko commie" since Joe McCarthy blustered about the capitol flailing away at Dwight Eisenhower, the consummate fellow traveler. In your case I guess cryogenics pays. The infantile and adolescent sniping taking place here does not elucidate a coherent foreign policy, a domestic economic policy, a farm policy, an energy policy, a tax policy, a health policy, an insurance policy, a medicare/medicaid policy, a transportation policy, an interrogation policy, a surveillance policy, a diplomatic policy, a United Nations policy, a NATO policy, a SEATO policy, an Iranian, Korean, Chinese, Indonesian, Venezuelan, Cuban or Icelandic policy, a seniors policy, a childrens policy, a gender policy, a sexual preference policy, a stem cell policy, an abortion policy, ad infinitum, BUT we do get your need to call people names!

[reverendvee]

I wish this were surprising, but it isn''t. I''ve personally seen ACORN employees pull some pretty underhanded things, including telling people that petitions they sign are not valid unless they re-register to vote with every signature.

And for all the "Obama is behind it" conspiracy theorists, this was happening in California when he was just an Illinois state senator. He doesn''t have that much pull. Sorry.

[matoosaferre]

This may change American politics and secure our electoral system. Obtaining FREE voter IDs for registration and voting and timely registration must be enforced if we are to remain a Democracy.
This is Obama''s bunch, along with terrorists and his racist 20-year mentor, Jeremiah Wright....

[cfin5]

Finally! I''d say its about time.

[matoosaferre]

ACORN-Obama; wright-obama; ayers-obama; voter fraud-obama; domestic terrorist-obama; rezko-Obama; mortgage fraud-obama... anyone see a pattern yet?

[dibs977]

Regarding the Blue Gargoyle---whoa---a whole 25 Thousand dollars huh.

[dibs977]

I was thinking the other day that many of Palin''s tactics remind me of Joe McCarthy. Folks she is very dangerous and McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time. Obama is a good and intelligent man. A great man who will lead us to prosperity and peace.

[stlslammy]

It''s about time ACORN was taken to task on a national scale. They get paid mega-dollars by PACS to register voters. They do little or no auditing of ''registrant'' records. They put tremendous pressure on their low-paid, uneducated, underprivledged workforce to hit minimum numbers of registrants (a quota by any other name) - abusing the very constituency they are supposed to be serving. Sinful and disgusting.

[mikyellow]

republicans down south have found several illegal ways to keep blacks from voting....from demanding they have driver''s license (even though some don''t drive), to blocking the roads and harassing voters to keep them from voting.

republicans are no angels so they need to think twice at throwing stones at others. but of course these devil republicans will never think any of the nasty things they do are sinful. hypocrites.

[ltk01]

Looks like Obama is trying the same tech. of voter fraud that was used in Chicago to get him elected there. BO was taught and studied "how to get elected" by the decades old Chicago Political Machine whose corruption is known world wide... some people never change.

[caliengineer]

Anyone know how many of ACORN''s registrants filed to vote absentee?

A statistical difference would be interesting here.

[caliengineer]

ACORN-Obama; wright-obama; ayers-obama; voter fraud-obama; domestic terrorist-obama; rezko-Obama; mortgage fraud-obama... anyone see a pattern yet?

Posted by matoosaferre at 10:07 PM : Oct 07, 2008

You forgot about "has not actually proven he is an American citizen" and "has an Indonesian passport" and "paid Larry Sinclair for oral *** and cocaine." and "has a health issue no one is talking about (recurring blue/gray lips are a sign of poor oxygenation, which could be due to cigarettes or cocaine...)"

Who can build the list? Keep it going!

[dtla1730]

Disenfranchised, no doubt, by things like this:

http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/330/

Republicans are extremists. Extremely greedy, extremely biggotted, extremely selfish, e.g. un-American.

They''ve wiped their behinds with this country already in the name of personal profit and would, without hesitation, screw another of their countrymen over for a percentage.

See http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain

[yurfulla]

Ha! jamessierra says, "Obamas overt intilect..."

James, it''s "Obama''s overt intellect." And let me tell you, just because the guy has some Ivy League law training doesn''t make him any smarter than me. I see right through his lipstick.

Michelle

[thcarson-2009]

Regarding the Blue Gargoyle---whoa---a whole 25 Thousand dollars huh.


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Posted by Dibs977 at

That''s precisely the mentality that has gotten this country into the mess it''s in.

[doonsrule1]

Yea repubs are animals.Where is the black helicopter.The morons try to register Tony Romo,and T.O.

[igorpdx]

Three million americans did NOT have their vote counted in the 2004 presidential election. Any questions on who really won?

Watch the video and see why.

Here''s a better link then the one below


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Qs7td9WRYM

Not this time.

The only voter fraud that is being done is by the Rethuglicans.

[kizzby1]

dem or repub Ob not the answer, he is in it for personal gain, he is niether genuine or truthfull. He is a camelion. Mcain is really what you see he is just hard to like. America is Obama''s stepping stone and he is a puppet for the radicals who fund him.

[r_bob1965]

republicans will stop at nothing to halt voter registration efforts. They KNOW that a large voter turn out spells doom for them. They are doing the same type of thing in Florida...FUNNY HOW THESE EFFORTS TO CURB "VOTER FRAUD" ARE HAPPENING IN BATTLEGROUND STATES. This is what happens when the "justice" department is hiring political hacks. THE ONLY FRAUD HERE IS AGAINST THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. WE MUST VOTE OUT THE REPUBLICAN CANCER IN WASHINGTON!

[xlib]

Oh yea, acorn also "assists low income families" in getting sub prime mortages. Um, any connection there.

[eriamjh]

CBS, please report things as they are, not through your rose-colored glasses.

ACORN is not some benign nonprofit being picked on by those *** Republicans. According to the book "Organizing Urban America", which is actually pro-ACORN, the organization is self-described as militant, and "reinforced by contentious action."

ACORN isn''t simply complicit in the current subprime crisis, they''re almost squarely to blame. It was almost solely the efforts of this organization during the Clinton administration that required Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase risky loans, up to 50% of their total volume, and put pressure on banks through CRA protests to complain that refusing loans to risky people was racial discrimination.

[jolietgeorge]

Where you all you idiots that claim its so easy to "steal" elections when the Democrats won Congress?