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Voter testimony

The following testimony was provided by Rhonda Bedsaul, 47, of Swain County. A similar account was provided by Bedsaul’s husband, Ron, 42. Both affidavits have been turned over to the state election board for further investigation.

 

“During the month of October 2006, Phillip Smith and Glenn Jones of Swain County came to my residence 36 Rock Hill Dr. #22 in the Alarka Community of Swain County and insisted that I register to vote for the November general election in Swain County. I was told repeatedly during this time as well as afterward that I would register and vote the way I was told to by these men or else be evicted from my residence, which was owned by Philip Smith.

“Upon receiving an absentee ballot in the mail from the board of elections, Philip Smith and Glenn Jones came back to my residence and insisted that I vote the ballot I received in their presence. They both stood over me and directed me to mark only the item for straight Democrat ticket. I was not allowed to mark any other choices on the ballot.

“Glenn Jones then picked up the ballot from my kitchen table and placed it in the envelope. I was then told to sign the back of the envelope and my husband was told to sign the back of the ballot as a witness. No one else signed the envelope in my presence as a witness. Glenn Jones and Philip Smith then took the absentee ballot in the unsealed envelope and left my residence. I never knew anything more about the ballot.”