Political Insider

Mike Pence's no-frills answer to voters worried about 'rigged' election

Republican Vice Presidential nominee and Indiana Governor Mike Pence makes a campaign stop in Marietta. Curtis Compton /ccompton@ajc.com
Republican Vice Presidential nominee and Indiana Governor Mike Pence makes a campaign stop in Marietta. Curtis Compton /ccompton@ajc.com
Aug 30, 2016

Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence has an answer to voters concerned about breaches in Illinois and Arizona's voter registration databases: Sign up to be a poll watcher.

The Indiana governor fielded a question at a rally in Dalton from a voter who said she feared the November vote would be "rigged" amid reports that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was urging states to increase computer security ahead of the Nov. 8 election.

“I want to challenge you. I understand the anxiety about a rigged system … but the best safeguard is you,” said Pence. “Be a poll watcher. Be a poll worker.”

It was a call to arms for supporters of Republican Donald Trump, who has rallied crowds with a warning that a "rigged" vote could cost him the election against Democrat Hillary Clinton. A number of high-profile Republicans have pushed back on his concerns.

“For those of you that are in this movement, I hope that it will translate to knocking on some doors,” said Pence. “But I also hope that you’ll get involved in the electoral process in your community.”

He added: “We need to be able to dedicate our time and our energies toward the integrity of these elections.”

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About the Author

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

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