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"Jags for McCain" Offer to Cast Ballots on Behalf of Argyle Homeowners

By
Jared Halpern, Reporter
@ October 24, 2008 5:12 AM
Permalink | Comments (3)
Mary Hawkins wasn't surprised to see campaigning in her Argyle neighborhood this week, but she was concerned when young men identifying themselves as "Jags for McCain" offered to turn in her ballot for her.

"He asked my husband immediately if he knew who he was voting for," Hawkins tells WOKV. "At that point the young man told him 'you know I can actually accept your vote right now'."

Mary and her husband didn't take up the campaigners on their offer; neither did other neighbors who were targeted by the group. Instead, they called Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland.

"We have not seen this happen before," Holland says. "We do want voters to know that no one is authorized from our office to pick up absentee envelopes or any group authorized to pick up absentee envelopes."

Holland says he passed the allegations along to the FBI. Calls and emails to the local FBI seeking comment on the story were not returned.

Hawkins thinks only Republicans are being targeted by the group; a ploy to prevent McCain supporters from showing up at the polls on Election Day.

"The were definitely working off a list," she said. "My husband feels the list is a list of Republicans to go door to door to."

A spokesman for the Jacksonville Jaguars says "Jags for McCain" stickers were being passed out at the team's last home game earlier this month. When the team learned of the stickers, officials contacted the local GOP office and asked they stop using the team's name for political endorsements.

"They've agreed to do that," Jaguars Vice President of Communications says. "It was really just a miscommunication and they've agreed to stop making and distributing the stickers."

Edwards says the Jaguars don't endorse any candidates or political parties.

Holland isn't sure who is behind the door-to-door campaign, but doesn't believe the allegations are widespread.

"I kind of went a little hysterical," Hawkins said. "I told him this was completely illegal. No one can accept my vote."



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What others are saying

  • Jags for McCain
    I was a house in Argyle in which one of these people came knocking. The stickers were actually very generic looking. Teal circle with "Jags for McCain in black"...thats it. He asked who I was voting for and said he could take my vote "today so you don't have to go wait in those long lines". I told the guy "no thanks" with a very sarcastic voice and look. I definitely saw the "list". In fact, I watched him after he left my doorway and went to the street looking at the list comparing it w/ addresses. I called the Duval County Republican office to express my concern and they told me it was probably someone looking to get legit absantee bollots for them. I doubted it and didn't think it was legit. After hearing the story last week I knew I should have called the sup. of elections office. I wish I could go back and get that list or ballot form.
  • Jags For McCain
    Dang! I wanted a Jags For McCain sticker!!!

    Please Vote McCain/Palin '08!

    Go Jaguars! Beat Browns!
  • Jags for McCain
    What's the probability that it is Obama supporters that is behind this and that they won't either change your vote from McCain to Obama or at least throw it away if you are voting for McCain???
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