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Pocono News Section
Monroe County Investigates Voter Fraud
Monroe County Investigates Voter Fraud - Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 4:40PM EST
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2008 @ 04:40pm EST
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - A Monroe County voter says a poll worker reached into the voting booth and changed his choice on election day.
Theresa Merli the Chairperson of the Board of Elections said, "For someone's voting rights to be interfered with is a serious allegation."
Stevens admitted he put a plank over the back of the voting machines so he could climb over and help people from above. He said, "I explained my name is Sean Stevens if you need any help just give me a shout."
The voter, David Bordne, said he was voting in Long Pond when Stevens showed up. Bordne said he didn't want help but Stevens reached into his booth anyway and changed his vote from John McCain to Barack Obama.
Stevens denies the accusation. He said, "If I asked someone if they needed help and they said no then I would not provide assistance."
As soon as Elections Director Sara May-Silfee heard about the incident she removed Stevens from the polling place. She said, "If you can see people's votes that's not acceptable."
Now the Monroe County Board of Elections must decide if what Stevens did is suspicious. If it is, then the board will ask the District Attorney to investigate.
Merli said, "Suspicious behavior is a little broad. I really don't know how I'm going to define that for myself."
She added she needs more time to review the stories and make a decision about what to do next. Minority Commissioner Donna Asure disagreed. She suggested the case go to the District Attorney immediately.
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