Federal judge orders group accused of voter intimidation to stay away from ballot drop boxes

A Federal Judge in Arizona has ordered a group of people who have been accused of voter intimidation by staking out ballot boxes to stay clear of these boxes.

U.S. District Court Judge Michael Liburdi has ordered to group to stay a minimum of 75 feet from ballot boxes and also banned members who openly carry a weapon to go within 250 feet of ballot boxes.

The judge’s ruling states that members of the group are banned from following voters who are delivering ballots to the drop box; engaging in conversation with or shouting at voters returning ballots to the drop box.  

They must also refrain from sharing or posting information about voters who return ballots to a drop boxes; and taking photos or recording videos of voters depositing their ballots.

The group has also been banned from accusing voters of voter fraud based on the fact that they deposited multiple ballots in a drop box, and also from making false claims about Arizona laws which allow citizens to return ballots in a drop box on another person’s behalf in certain circumstances.

The group’s founder, Melody Jennings, appeared on an episode of “War Room With Steve Bannon” on Saturday where she defended the groups actions.

“We’re actually protecting you. And I want to say that we’re out there protecting your vote … we’re here because we love you. And because we want to continue to protect the rule of law,” she said.

Voto Latino said they were pleased with the decision.

“This is a critical election for Arizona and for our country,” Voto Latino President and CEO Maria Teresa Kumar said on Thursday. “Voters can and should have full confidence that they can participate safely on or before Election Day.”

“This order is a win for all Arizonans, especially seniors who are the most likely to vote by early ballot,” Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans President Saundra Cole said on Wednesday. “Casting a ballot is not only a constitutional right but a patriotic act.”