Voting in FL today: Since when are solicitors allowed at the polls?!

[Brotherjohn]

The first thing I noticed were two or three representatives of candidates within 20-30 feet of the front door to the polling place.

Then I see a printed sign on the door saying something to the effect that "the courts have ruled that solicitors are allowed at the polls...".

What courts? When? Why have I not heard this?

I should note that they were representatives of candidates who were not running in the primary, I believe (a local sherriff's race and school board race). I didn't hear about the supposed court decision. Nevertheless, I think this is wholly inappropriate!

[liberalnurse]

1. It's 100 feet in Ohio.....

[Brotherjohn]

2. Yes, it was similar here before. But now, it seems they're just allowed!

The way they were set up (within a few feet of the door), and the way the sign was written, it seems like there's NO distance limit anymore (except perhaps that they can't be INSIDE).

[libertad]

3. I saw the posted sign this morning, too (Orange Park FL)

I never saw it at any other election.

[MaineDem]

4. Solicitation can occur within the 50 foot limit if...

it is conducted in a separate area which doesn't interfere with the voting and it's marked and taking part is an option for voters.

http://election.dos.state.fl.us/laws/proposedrules/pdf/PollingPlaceProcManual.pdf

[Brotherjohn]

5. Looks like it's allowed ANYWHERE, based on that. Exceptions include...

... areas within the 50ft radius, including "parking area, sidewalk, etc...".

Also, "Solicitation can occur within the 50-foot zone as long as it is conducted from a separate area marked by the supervisor of elections which does not interfere with voter access to the polling room..."

Now, the solicitors are not going to want to set up in a field across from the polling place. They are going to set up on the sidewalk or parking lot in front of the polling place. And they are apparently allowed to do so (the solicitors at my polling place were on the sidewalk within 20-30 feet of the front door).

What upset me more than anything, though, is that theye were obviously representing certain candidates, with shirts and signs saying as much. I do NOT think that is appropriate!

When did this change?

[Freddie Stubbs]

7. What is inappropriate about people advocating for thier candidate?

[Brotherjohn]

9. There ARE restrictions on free speech, particularly around polling places.

...and with good reason. So people are not unduly influenced or pressured to vote for one candidate/position or another.

Would you argue that people be allowed to campaign for a candidate right in the polling room (in such a place where they could NOT see your ballot)? If your answer is no, then we agree in principle and it is simply a matter of where the line is drawn. In the past, this line was drawn at such a distance from the entrance to the polling place where a voter would not even encounter so much as a sign if one were able to park near the entrance of the polling place. Now (according to the rule as posted above, which seems to have been published in Jan. 2004), someone can promote their candidate to you as you're walking in the front door.

[Renew Deal]

6. That doesn't sound right.

You should call the board of elections or some election lawyer to verify. You can't push candidates within 100 feet of the poll.

BTW, this is another reason why you need to be a poll watcher in november. You can practice in the September primary.

[MaineDem]

8. Yeah, it is legal

At least in FL.