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Republicans Allege Voter Fraud In NW Indiana

CROWN POINT, Ind. (CBS) ― Tensions are rising in northwest Indiana as the race for president there tightens. As voter registration came to a close Monday, John McCain supporters alleged fraud.

CBS 2's Political Editor Mike Flannery reports, Democrats say it's a sign Barack Obama has closed the gap in a state that typically sends Republicans to the White House.

Hundreds cast ballots in Crown Point Monday, shattering all previous records for the first day of early voting in Lake County, Ind.

The first day of early voting coincided with the final day of voter registration here in the Hoosier state. For the first time in a generation, Indiana is one of the country's most important presidential battlegrounds. Democrats want to open additional offices for early voting in heavily Democratic Lake County. Republicans oppose that.

They point to apparently phony new voter registration forms, including one for a man with the same name and address as one who died last year. Another is in the name of a franchise restaurant.

"There's voter fraud; they're trying to steal the election," said Lake County, Ind. GOP Chairman John Curley. "We had 45 people go to jail for vote fraud in East Chicago."

Democrats say fraud should be prosecuted as a crime, but should not be used to keep legitimate voters from casting ballots.

"This ain't about shenanigans," said Gary Mayor Rudy Clay, the Lake County, Ind. Democratic Chairman. "Their complaints don't hold water. They're hurting. They're bringing in top guns to say outrageous things. They're trying to slow down the vote."

While Democrats hope a judge will order new locations to be opened, for now the busy office in Crown Point remains the only place where Lake County residents can cast an early vote prior to Nov. 4.

(CBS 2 and the Post-Tribune are news partners covering stories in the communities of northwest Indiana. Send story tips to tips@cbs2chicago.com. (© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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