Tactic Pushing Voter Turnout Irks Voters

With the latest Quinnipiac Poll putting the governor's race at a dead heat

, both political parties are putting out all the stops.

But some voters say they're going too far.

"Instead of this being an attack on another candidate, this was an attack on me and my privacy," said Mansfield Center resident Paul Veilleux.

Veilleux, a U.S. Army veteran, said that when he checked his mail on Thursday, he couldn't believe what he saw. Inside was a letter from the Connecticut Democratic Party that Veilleux said came across like a veiled threat.

"I believe it is our responsibility, everybody's responsibility to vote, not just our right, but this is ridiculous," said Veilleux.

The letter reads, "We're sending this mailing to you and your neighbors to publicize who does and does not vote."

You can see the name and street numbers are hidden, but the voting records for Veilleux and neighbors are clear as day. At the bottom it says if you don't vote this year, party officials will be "disappointed."

"Shaming someone into voting, but not just voting, voting in a particular way because they say they may call and they're going to check," said Veilleux.

Voting records are public but how you vote is not. NBC Connecticut reached out to the state Democratic party and they sent the following statement in response:

"The foundation of our democracy is a citizens' right to vote – and it's our hope that every Democrat exercises that fundamental right on Tuesday. While Tom Foley wants to restrict access to voting to protect his $5 million yacht, two million-dollar-fighter jets, seven-bedroom mansion, and zero percent tax rate, we believe every registered voter should show up to the polls."

Democratic mailer:

Voter flier 1200
Abby Gregory, NBCDFW

State Republicans are also sending out their own mailers. NBC Connecticut was emailed an example of one which informs voters they've missed previous elections that the public can see who votes and who doesn't.

Republican mailer:

TF08-Drop Off-1
Getty Images

In a statement, campaign officials for Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley said they "hope that everybody who has the right to vote exercises that right on November 4th."

"This is not good politics. This is not positive politics," said Dr. Paul Petterson, political science professor and chairman at Central Connecticut State University.

Experts said it's not only manipulative but disappointing. It's a trend that's been seen across the country, but Veilleux says it's not the right way to do it.

"Reminding folks to vote, that's great, but don't try to look over my shoulder with what I'm doing," said Veilleux.

Veilleux said the mailer will in no way impact whether he votes or how, but that it does have him wanting to talk to politicians about the tactic.

Other experts have called this sort of strategy a "hail mary" that can significantly increase voter turnout, which is what both sides are desperate for Nov. 4.

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