Sanders Supporters Mad

Sanders Supporters Furious with Gorbea

Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea is coming under stinging criticism for the organization and lack of polling places available for tomorrow’s primary in RI. Much of the criticism has come from those supporting Bernie Sanders that fear long lines will deter new voters. Gorbea has endorsed Hillary Clinton for President.

Gorbea ran for Secretary of State on a platform of expanding access for voters. Her campaign web site promised that she would “ensure fair, fast and accurate elections.”

In one post to Gorbea’s Facebook page, Kevilina Burbank wrote,”Do you think people are flat out stupid? In a record breaking voter turnout year, you close 60 polling places *after* what happened in AZ? You'll be voted out. It's a matter of time.”

In response Gorbea wrote, “We don't think people are stupid. In Rhode Island, polling places are overseen by the Board of Elections. They traditionally open fewer polls for presidential primaries because voter turnout us usually much lower. It is great to see such enthusiasm around the presidential primary this year. We encourage everyone to bring that enthusiasm to the polls tomorrow. If you can't get to the polls tomorrow, be sure to go to your local board of canvassers today to cast an emergency mail ballot.”

Gorbea’s Defense

"The Secretary is not going to second guess the Board of Elections who worked closely with the Board of Canvassers. There are clearly defined roles for the Secretary of State, and the Board of Elections, who is not under the purview of the Secretary of State," said Gorbea's spokesperson Nicole Lagace in a phone interview with GoLocalProv.

"This was a data-driven decision by the Board of Elections based on past presidential primaries -- it's great to see so much enthusiasm this year. The fewer polling places are a direct result of previous turnouts. In 2008, there were 177. In 2012, when there was a dismal turnout, there were 135. This year it will be 144. If more people turn out this year, then the Board of Elections will likely increase that number for the next election," said Lagace.