Newspaper online poll was under attack late last week

Sunday, July 8. 2012

The Jackson Herald's online poll came under attack in recent days as several people voted multiple times for a single candidate, said co-publisher Mike Buffington.

"We caught one person from Hall County voting for a candidate nearly 250 times," he said. "Some other people also voted multiple times. We have cleaned up those situations and banned those people from participating in the polls we post."

Although the system is set up to block multiple votes, some people figured a way around that.

"The poll is not scientific, but we don't want people trying to manipulate the poll by casting multiple votes," Buffington said. "We have a way to identify that and we will ban anyone we catch voting multiple times from future participation in the polls we post."

The current poll that came under attack was about the sheriff's race in Jackson County.

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#1 morninginamerica on 07/08/12 at 08:36 PM

The poll is still up, does that mean the multiple votes by one person have been removed? That huge swing Friday night was suspicious, it changed very quickly over just a couple hours. 250 votes by one person in Hall County? Hmmmm...I wonder who those votes were for?

#1.1 Football Fan on 07/08/12 at 09:26 PM

I see the Large swing is back to a more normal numbers.

#2 anon on 07/09/12 at 06:25 AM

It's still to easy to vote multiple times, though I did notice they are relying on more than just cookies as they did in the past.

Anyways, back to registering voters (thanks to mornininamerica for the motivation!)

#3 #3 on 07/09/12 at 07:32 AM

Is anyone concerned about the ethical questions this raises for the 'Hall County candidate'? If a candidate for Sheriff is willing to stoop to this level in an unofficial poll it should ring alarm bells. This to me raises huge concerns about his ethics, values and morals. Not what we need in our next Sheriff.

#3.1 Tom Hays on 07/09/12 at 02:11 PM

I believe that there will be further questions that arise for the candidate from Hall County. I believe it further shows his and his campaign's ethics, values and morals. Did anyone else notice how someone from his campaign kept driving through the people at the Jefferson Freedom Festival in the big, black pickup with a 4' x 8' sign standing up in the bed telling people to vote for Ramone? Nice. Lots of class. Repeatedly driving through the main street as people are trying to view the fireworks Saturday night - and causing them to have to look around your mobile billboard really demonstrates what people can look forward to if they vote for Ramone. I hope it costs you a lot of votes.

#3.1.1 #3 on 07/09/12 at 03:57 PM

Hey Tom,
Thanks! You have to ask yourself, Is this the kind of man that we'd give the power of the Sheriff office to? ....In your face, poll cheating, win at any cost candidate? No Thanks, I think Ramone should bow out gracefully. If he cheats in simple poll, what will he do if we give him the Sheriff badge?

#3.1.1.1 Marsha on 07/24/12 at 11:17 PM

(Comment removed)

#3.1.2 Booger Bear on 07/10/12 at 06:32 AM

Ethics? But with ethics how can he own a rental property in Arcade overrun with drug activity?

#3.1.2.1 Tom Hays on 07/10/12 at 10:25 AM

Technically his rental trailer park is just outside the city limits of Arcade in the county's jurisdiction.

#3.2 perry wright on 07/12/12 at 10:03 AM

How can you blame this on the candidate!!!!

#3.3 Martha Martin on 07/12/12 at 03:24 PM

Can you control what your friend in Fulton county does on a site that is put up for public comment? If you knew what was going on maybe, but if you did not know then how can you be critized for what you did not know and your friend thought they were just helping you. Don't place blame on someone that was not even aware of anything being done.

#4 really?? on 07/09/12 at 02:09 PM

If I not mistaken Ramone Gilbert was previoulsy employed by Hall County

#5 sovrncitzn on 07/09/12 at 02:25 PM

You are not mistaken #3. I am still curious why are we running out of time Ramone? I know that is an interrigation tactic " Hurry up your running out of time tell me the truth and we will go easy on you." Did you learn that in the F.B.I. school or from the Israeli paramilitary police?

#6 ashley wright on 07/09/12 at 04:20 PM

and whose to say that this was not set up by someone else trying to make him look bad. Besides this is a newspaper poll not the actual election. I am sure that other people had multiple votes. And it seems a little funny that the paper made certain to list it was a Hall County person.

#6.1 Mike Buffington, Publisher on 07/09/12 at 04:25 PM

We have not accused anyone of doing this, just the fact that it happened. The IP source was in Hall County for the 250 votes and we stated that in the article. We will delete any multiple votes we find no matter what the candidate. In fact, we didn't even say how those votes were cast in the article.

#6.1.1 #3 on 07/09/12 at 04:39 PM

Thanks Mike, But it was pretty obvious if your gentle readers were paying attention Friday night who those 250 votes were for.
That other comment is a bit odd...yea I'm gonna hack the vote for my opponent. I doubt it, but nice try.

#6.1.1.1 Mike Buffington, Publisher on 07/09/12 at 04:43 PM

We just want to poll to be fair and not manipulated.

#6.1.1.1.1 #3 on 07/09/12 at 05:29 PM

Yep, just like we want our next Sheriff. Honest. Strong Values. Strong Education And Experience. Vote Andy Garrison
For our next Sheriff of Jackson County. There is no comparison.

#6.1.1.1.1.1 Not me ! on 07/09/12 at 07:05 PM

MR. ANDY, He gonna save us all !

Our MESSIAH !

#6.1.2 Booger Bear on 07/10/12 at 06:34 AM

Sounds to me like someone in Hall County wants to make certain he does NOT return!!

#6.1.2.1 joe on 07/10/12 at 09:27 PM

Poll or no poll the question is who has shown jackson co strong ethics,honesty,and hard work in different positions at the sheriff's office.That has time to stop, look an listen at what is going on in our county.Pray before you vote for the best man or woman to be our next SHERIFF.

#6.1.2.1.1 italladdsup.. on 07/10/12 at 11:04 PM

Thanks Joe,
It was clear from tonight's forum in Commerce that the candidate from Hall County is not going to be the next Sheriff. This Hall County candidate now has a string of unseemly incidents and some real concerns that voters should be aware of..
1) cheating in on line poll
2) interfering with the freedom fest fireworks be driving the sign truck through the crowd, getting headlights in spectator eyes
3) inviting himself to funerals to campaign, not even a families grief is safe from his campaign
4) unanswered questions about his depature from Hall County Sheriff office...

Trends come and go, but the trend of things popping up with this Hall County Candidate are stacking up. He is not what Jackson County needs.

#7 Take notice, people... on 07/11/12 at 07:45 AM

I think everyone has missed a very important point, one that I'm sure Mike wanted SOMEBODY to mention: When you post on this website, YOU ARE BEING TRACKED.

Regardless of what you are posting here, a poll or a comment, Mike is letting everyone know that mainstreetnews.com IS able to identify where you are located and what your IP number is.

There are NO ANONYMOUS POSTS ON THIS WEBSITE.

He's warned you. So take heed.

#7.1 imfiscallyconservativesociallyliberal on 07/11/12 at 09:24 AM

That's true anywhere on the net. I'm wondering if the hacker used a proxy.

I'm ready for this and the presidential election to be over. I am in political fatigue.

#7.2 italladdsup.. on 07/11/12 at 10:45 AM

Hey there 'Take notice, people'..
Sounds like a threat to me. I'm just curious, you could have taken a more calm approach and stated what was incorrect about those 4 facts above. But instead you resort to a threat, intimidation, a nasty warning of repercussions?
So, let me take this a step further...Are you saying if the 'Hall County candidate' by some rare accident becomes our Sheriff, that he and you will resort to vigilante style governance? The 'Hall County candidate' is definitely NOT the man we need for our Sheriff. Is that what you call walking tall?

#7.2.1 Take notice, people on 07/12/12 at 12:44 PM

You're an idiot. The warning was originally from Mike, I was only pointing out what he so casually suggested. If you had half a brain you would figure that out.

I don't know why morons like you even bother to post. You only make yourself look stupid.

The THREAT, you idiot,is from the people who are TRACKING YOUR POSTS, and you are too stupid to heed a warning from someone trying to keep you from getting yourself caught in SOMEONE ELSE'S TRAP.

Let me take this one step farther...no, never mind, you can't keep up as it is.

#7.2.1.1 #7.2.1.1 on 07/12/12 at 02:12 PM

Thanks Take Notice, Good knowing we have you watching out for us. Nanny Mayor Bloomberg has nothing on you.

#7.2.1.1.1 Take notice, people on 07/13/12 at 11:40 AM

You know, some people just go through life with blinders on, ignoring the facts and walking face first into trouble they could easily avoid.

All because they are too ignorant to understand what is right in front of them.

If you don't like seeing a "wake up call", maybe you should wise up and open your eyes and see how things really are, instead of attempting sarcastic commentary about things you blindly choose to ignore.

Here's a suggestion: Ask Mike Buffington what they do with this tracking information. Because no matter what mainstreetnews.com does with that information, Mike is the LEAST of your online worries. There are people, companies and government agencies that ARE keeping tabs on everything you post online. Do YOU trust all of those people, companies and government agencies? If you do, then you will believe anyting.

#7.2.1.1.1.1 italladdsup.. on 07/13/12 at 11:58 AM

Then I suggest you follow John Prine's advice he wrote about in a great song, 'Spanish Pipe dream'
If you are not familiar get it on iTunes...
Here is the bridge and the advice I give to you now sir..
Blow up your TV throw away your paper (cell phone, laptop, ipad, et al)
Go to the country, build you a home
Plant a little garden, eat a lot of peaches
Try an find Jesus on your own...

Apology and thanks to my friend John Prine for using his lyrics and adding my comments in parentheses..

#7.2.1.1.1.2 anon on 07/13/12 at 12:15 PM

Read the Privacy Policy. There's a link at the bottom of the page.

Posting without reading the Privacy Policy is just plain ignorant.

#7.2.1.1.1.2.1 italladdsup on 07/13/12 at 12:30 PM

Ok I will read the privacy policy just to make you happy, Now make me happy by listening to Spanish Pipedream.
John's a friend of mine and he'd appreciate you downloading to your phone through iTunes.
As far as your rants, If ya don't like big brother peaking over your shoulder then stop blogging, emailing, using your cell, using the internet.

#7.2.1.1.1.2.1.1 Joe Christmas on 07/14/12 at 03:52 AM

John Prine is a great singer, songwriter. Second only to Bob Dylan. I don't care who wins sheriff. That is all.

#7.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1 anon on 07/14/12 at 03:34 PM

Happy Birthday Woody Guthrie! This land is your land, this land is my land!

#7.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1 italladdsup.. on 07/14/12 at 06:37 PM

Isn't it great when we agree on something! What an incredible man Woody was, at a very tough, ugly time in this country.
A tip o my hat to Woody (and to Arlo....love Alice's restaurant!), I'm sure Woody is playing to huge crowds in heaven.

We need to get this Sheriff and other races behind us.
Let's elect the very most qualified person for Sheriff, and for the other local races and then let's all do what we can to get Mitt elected.
Mitt isn't everyone's fave but dear God help us all if O is re-elected. We'll need someone much more talented and gifted to cheer us up than Woody or Arlo or my buddy John Prine.

#7.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1 anon on 07/15/12 at 07:58 AM

Indeed. Obscure things such as music can still show a common thread running through the citizens of this country.

Let's agree to get behind the eventual winner of the presidential election (either Mr. Romney or President Obama) and do what we can to make this a better place for future generations.

#7.3 your IP on 07/12/12 at 02:13 PM

address is logged, blahblah blah most teenagers know how to get around this, some even know how to make it look like the IP address is your address instead of thiers... so take it easy, just like anything in life assume there is always a way to be watched and more then likely someone is always watching or thinking of watching

#7.3.1 #7.3.1 on 07/12/12 at 02:25 PM

Your IP, are you saying it's 1984 all over again? You read about that new laser being deployed by Homeland Security, From > 100 feet it can detect your adrenaline levels, and at molecular level can detect type of food you've eaten? Expect it to show up at airports soon, and maybe other places. Let's just not give one to that 'Take notice' fellow.

#7.3.1.1 LOL Cat on 07/16/12 at 11:17 AM

"Let's just not give one to that 'Take notice' fellow."

I'm kind of confused about this. It looked like that "take notice fellow" was just trying to remind everybody about something that most probably didn't know.

I didn't see anything about that "take notice fellow" threatening anybody or saying that he or she was doing anything at all, other than trying to make other people aware of something.

I guess everyone enjoys "shooting the messenger" or they prefer not knowing the "bad news".

#8 Gary Bernhard on 07/11/12 at 01:50 PM

Ramone Gilbert is the best choice for Sheriff. I know the Main Street News won't post this because they have not posted any positive comments I have sent in supporting Ramone Gilbert. What ever happened to fair and honest reporting.

#8.1 italladdsup.. on 07/11/12 at 03:02 PM

Hi Mr. Bernhard,
1) Guess your theory about posting is out the window!
2) So what you're saying is the 'Hall County candidate' is the best choice because of his friends that try to intimidate and threaten others? That's real top notch thinking sir.
I think the good folks of Jackson County will do their own research and find that Gilbert is not worthy or capable of leading the Sheriff department. Maybe he can find another county to move to, I hear there are several cities in Calif that could use some help

#8.1.1 Just wondering... on 07/16/12 at 02:47 PM

So who are you backing?

#9 #9 bepositive on 07/12/12 at 10:00 AM

I have sit back for weeks now and watched all this nonsense. I have known Mr. Gilbert for some time now. Each time I have spoke to him he has always had such a positive attitude and has never spoke an unkind word about any of the Sheriff candidates. NEVER. As I listen to the people of Jackson Co. that have read these blogs as well, they are shocked at how ruthless and childish they are.
I have read up on Mr. Gilbert and talked to people that have known him for years, they all say the same thing, he is honest, fair, and knows law enforcement from the ground up. Before anyone bashes anyone it's real easy to make a few calls and you will find out he is not being investigated at Hall Co for anything. Also just because he wasn't born and raised here (most of us weren't doesn't mean a thing). As long as we get the best, most qualified person for all of us. Now to bring this to an end, all of us who have blogged here know who we want, but those of you who are not sure of who to vote for need to pray and talk to each candidate before making your choice based on what people say or on any rumors you may have heard.

#9.1 perry wright on 07/12/12 at 10:26 AM

Mr. Gilbert is not the hall county candidate he is a jackson county candidate for sheriff and he is the best person for the job do your reseach!!!!

#10 D. Whit on 07/14/12 at 02:42 PM

I am still asking questions and reading about all of the candidates in the Jackson County elections.
One question I have asked and received an answer to is why so many retired individuals want to be sheriff. I have been told that the position allows individuals access to State Of Georgia retirement allowances as opposed to Jackson County benefits. Can someone give me more details as in, are the retirements from two systems or are they tiered and exactly how much money is involved for these individuals that become sheriff in this county ?

#10.1 just askn on 07/26/12 at 08:51 AM

What I want to know is why romone gilbert was standing on street this past weekend waving.Everyone that came into CVS wanted to know who he was an was he CRAZY.

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Newspaper online poll was under attack late last week

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