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A memo with a Lake County Board of Elections letterhead tells residents not to vote if registered by certain Democratic or progressive groups. Yes, it's a hoax. No, it's not unique. But it illustrates the kind of tricks in play as Election Day draws near. "This is a deliberate attempt to undermine our democracy in the most partisan manner," said Ron Colvin, head of the Lake County branch of the NAACP, one of the four supposedly voided groups. Colvin was stunned when an "urgent advisory" dated Oct. 22 reached his Painesville home. It claimed to disqualify voters registered by the NAACP, the Democrats' presidential campaign, their local congressional campaign, or the voter drive America Coming Together. Colvin said other Painesville voters got the same letter. Lake Sheriff Dan Dunlap is investigating. Jess Goode, ACT's Ohio spokesman, said: "This is proof positive that the Republicans are trying to steal the election in Ohio. They know they can't win if all legitimate Ohio voters cast their ballots, so they're kicking up a storm of voter intimidation and suppression." Dale Fellows, chairman of the Lake County Republican Party and an elections board member, countered: "It's absolutely horrible to even suggest that. The Lake County Republican Party has conducted itself professionally and above board." Fellows said the letter just might be a reverse hoax - a Democratic frame-up. [more]