PollWatch: Republican poll watcher says he was sent to the back of the room

Republican poll watcher: Sent to the back of the room Earl Markey cast his ballot at Dixon House in South Philly Tuesday morning, but he said he did not feel as welcome in his role as a certified poll watcher for Republican candidate for Auditor General John Brown. When Markey first appeared at the polling place at 1920 S. 20th Street, he tried to be close to the books with the election officials. Election Judge John Woods told him he had to remain at the back of the room.

Some voters complained that Markey was asking questions of them and challenging some votes. Markey said he challenged a vote after election officials allowed a woman to vote even though they could not find her name in the book. He said elections officials told him the woman had a letter saying she was entitled to cast her ballot at the polling place at Dixon Center. But Markey didn't see it, and challenged her ballot. He contacted Chad Mizelle, a representative of the National Republican Senate Committee,who came to the site to talk to him.

Mizelle said his immediate concern was that Markey not feel intimidated and was able to perform his duties as a poll watcher. Mizelle said the challenged ballot would be taken to elections court.