Voter Intimidation by "Thugs" Reported in Redwood City

Napa Valley Patch is publishing this story to make local voters aware that if you have trouble exercising your right to vote today, you can call the Voter Protection Hotline: 1-800-311-VOTE.

REDWOOD CITY - Two men at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church polling place who were asking for voters’ IDs this morning have now left and may be trolling other polling places, according to the voting supervisor Marilyn Tinderholt.

The two men, described as "thug-looking," tall and Caucasian with shaved heads, were wearing all black with dark sunglasses and standing in front of the polling place at 134 Hemlock Avenue with their arms crossed.

They carried a binder which they claimed had names and addresses of eligible voters, Tinderholt said. They were also asking voters to show their IDs, which is not a requirement to vote in the state of California, said volunteer Debra Prime. 

Tinderholt called the Elections office to confirm that the two men were not allowed to be there.

The two left as soon as Tinderholt called the Redwood City Police Department.

“We don’t want people thinking they have to have voter IDs,” Tinderholt said. “If anyone asks you for something like that, ignore them.”

She added that she was worried the two men might be moving on to other polling places.

If you have trouble exercising your right to vote today, call the Voter Protection Hotline: 1-800-311-VOTE.

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