Don't Vote Signs Have Added The Second Part

The "Don't Vote" billboards that raised hackles around the Twin Cities aren't some sinister plot after all. The billboards, which went up last week, were the first phase of a campaign for a morning radio show. At least one of the 15 was updated Friday in downtown Minneapolis. It now says, "Don't Vote for Dave," a reference to morning radio host Dave Ryan of KDWB-FM. The sign tells viewers to "Make your vote count!" next to a photo of Ryan, wearing an Uncle Sam outfit and giving the thumbs up. The billboards sprang up in Minneapolis, St. Paul and suburbs this month. Several were in areas with large minority populations, leading the NAACP and other groups to criticize the suggestion that citizens shouldn't vote. Even Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak weighed in, criticizing the timing of the campaign and saying it is the wrong time to play with people's emotions over voting. [more ]