Monterey County poll workers prevented Hispanics from voting

Thursday, November 13, 2003

MONTEREY, Calif. (AP) - Monterey County poll workers prevented some Hispanics from voting in recent elections, county elections chief Tony Anchundo said Wednesday.

At a union-sponsored voter forum in Salinas, Anchundo accepted responsibility for poll worker actions and promised to take steps to prevent future problems.

An eight-member panel listened to Hispanic voters talk about their experiences at the polls. Voters said they were denied provisional ballots and sent to the wrong polling place. They complained about delays caused by long lines and a shortage of ballot envelopes.

Others said they witnessed voter intimidation by men in black suits who said they were members of the county's Republican Party.

Voters mainly complained about the Oct. 7 recall election. One person said some Castroville voters didn't receive ballots for the Nov. 4 elections, which were conducted by mail.

Information from: The Californian, Salinas

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