South Lake Tahoe voter intimidation under investigation | South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. What went beyond typical pre-election incidents is now being investigated. Several homeowners with “No Trespassing N” signs in their yards were targeted by unknown persons over the content of the letters left on the signs, it was reported Monday.

The homeowner’s letters warn him not to vote in the November 5 election due to a change in voter registration address. The letter states that they know the voter ID number, the home address in South Lake Tahoe and the location of the second home, the precinct number and the date the voter registration changed, and they claim to have photos to back up their claims.

One of those homeowners told South Tahoe Now“The letter is very disturbing.”

Eldorado County Registrar of Voters Bill O’Neill was more forceful.

“It’s absolutely disgusting what they’re doing,” O’Neill said of the person responsible. “This could be a serious crime — major voter intimidation.”

Voter information lists may be requested by the public, but they may only be used for very limited purposes, including research, campaigning, education, or other specified election purposes. O’Neill said the individual pays for the list ($25 for the county only, $100 for the entire county) and fills out and signs paperwork acknowledging they will only use the information for those limited purposes.

In addition to his office, people can purchase the list from Political Data Inc. (PDI). They also provide data for campaigns and keep records of who receives the lists.

“Somebody got hold of that list and is using it completely illegally,” O’Neill said. He forwarded the information to the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office (EDCDA).

“This could be a serious crime, a major voter intimidation,” O’Neill added.

It is currently unclear how the author of the letter obtained the parcel numbers.

O’Neill said everyone knew the measure would be controversial and would antagonize people. Measure T (banning vacation rentals) was also controversial, but not as much as Measure N.

“People are at each other’s throats,” O’Neill said. “This is no way to run a community.”

The EDCDA office said it will determine whether the situation is voter intimidation and cannot yet say whether it is a felony or a misdemeanor, or neither, until the investigation is complete.

The California Secretary of State has specific penalties depending on the type of bullying.

Elections can be challenged if there was voter intimidation or other issues that indicate election dishonesty. Voters could sue.

“It’s very frustrating, I don’t like it,” O’Neill said.