# ACORN submits fraudulent voter registrations en masse

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acorn-submits-fraudulent-voter-registrations-en-masse/466984>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [October 8, 2008, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acorn-submits-fraudulent-voter-registrations-en-masse/466984 "2008-10-08T13:55:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 557

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**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\
**Post date:** [October 20, 2008, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/acorn-submits-fraudulent-voter-registrations-en-masse/466984/557 "2008-10-20T21:53:40Z")

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> [@Kyrie\_Eleison](#):
>
> I supposed it depends on what one thinks the purpose of an election is. Many of us, I think, view it as a national poll of the preferences of U.S. citizens. As with any poll, those who wish it to be an accurate measure must take care not to skew the sample.
> 
> If, as reported, these gentlemen attempted to eliminate a class of registered voter from heavily Democratic areas, but made no attempt to similarly eliminate voters of the same class in other areas, it is difficult to believe that their interest lies in an accurate sample of the electorate. One must conclude that they wish to skew the sample.

OK, I agree. I am sure they are focusing on areas that they believe will favor them, in much the same way that a football coach will vigorously argue to the referees that the opposing receiver stepped out of bounds, but not say a word if his own player’s foot was close to the line.

Nonetheless, they are entitled to do that, because the rules are the rules, and if the player stepped out of bounds, he cannot continue to advance the ball.

Here, their job is partisan, and they are seeking to ensure that the opposition receives only legal votes.

> [@](#):
>
> Yes, you can argue that they’re not suppressing legitimate votes, but even under the most charitable characterization, they are preferentially suppressing illegitimate votes to the same effect.
> 
> On the other hand, if one views an election as contest in which anything not expressly forbidden is not just permitted, but peachy keen, these gentlemen may have done nothing wrong.

Sorry, but you’ll not find me crying because someone preferentially suppressed illegitimate votes. It’s for the each side to have a vigorous advocate that the rules be followed. They are not generous do-gooders; they’re partisan workers. ACORN doesn’t register folks in Republican-leaning areas – are they “preferentially” increasing Democratic votes? Of course they are – same analysis. As long as both sides follow the law, then there’s no room for complaining.

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