While the the campaigns are entering the final phase, one theme prevails throughout the camps: the treasured electorate and its access to the ballot box. The 2008 election outcome was heavily based on a strong mobilisation voters on the Democrats’ side. Convincing those who were undecided was not considered as being most relevant any more. Success was considered to have stemmed to great extent from the efforts of a very high number of campaign workers on the ground who ‘carried’ Mr Obama’s message to the doors of homes in relevant neighbourhoods. An undercurrent of legal-political action has been notable ever since: 62 more restrictive voter identification document bills have been proposed by Republicans throughout 37 states in the US in 2011 and 2012. The Republican Grand Ol’ Party (G.O.P.) is hoping to reap the benefits next Tuesday when votes are being cast. Part of the eleven per cent of potential voters considered not to hold the necessary I.D. cards required according to the strictest legislation today will not be able to vote. Amongst them a considerable number of socially disadvantaged.

One of the most prominent figures behind these ‘Grand Ol’ efforts’ has been one Mr Hans von Spakovsky. No joking, this is the gentleman’s real name – and his barely hidden heritage is half Germanic, half White Russian. His father from Belarus is said to have stood up against the realm of Communism: standing up against Bolshevik’s in Russia and against Tito in former Yugoslavia. What lesson his son learned from him is difficult to gauge: was it the eagerness to oppose something, was it a meticulous righteousness, was it an ambition to impact political processes or the mere spirit ‘to stand up for what I believe in’ as Spakovsky claims? Some uncertainty remains. But he certainly has this strong belief he hinted to: anyone who does not fulfill the last ever so strict condition to vote, should not vote. Maybe there is also a slight underlying motivation of countering the might of an unfavorable electorate as those lacking the relevant documents often are not the typical G.O.P. supporters.

One thing is for certain: after having been a member of various election commissions (including the federal one subsequent to his appointment by President Bush in 2006) and with his proven dedication to the cause, Mr von Spakovsky will continue to stand up for his belief. He did so when being present for the re-count of ballots cast in Florida in 2000, he did so in his continuous lobbying in various capacities behind the scenes and he will do so in the swing state of Virginia on Tuesday, 6 November 2012. Let us see of what avail this will be – and be looking out for the adjacent cultural components in the next post.

Please also look to:

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2012/10/29/121029fa_fact_mayer and

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/newsdesk/2012/11/notes-on-voter-fraud.html

for your further reading.