VOTE 2012: Pro-amendment church signs raise questions at polling places

[struggle4progress]

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- The controversy over Amendment One continued all the way to some polling places.

Many precincts vote at churches, and many churches have campaigned openly in favor of the amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman.

Some opponents to the amendment say signs like one at Devon Park United Methodist Church made them feel uncomfortable about voting at their designated precinct.

"I saw the sign and I mean, I don't know, I feel like a voting place should be neutral," voter Jonathan Reed said ...

http://www.wwaytv3.com/2012/05/08/vote-2012-pro-amendment-church-signs-raise-questions-polling-places

[cbayer]

1. That is just wrong.

The building you are voting in shouldn't be displaying a message about something on the ballot.

I'm not even sure that churches should be used as polling places. Aren't there any public buildings available?

[rurallib]

3. let's hope someone complains and the church loses its tax exempt status.

[cbayer]

4. Religious institutions are permitted to advocate for issues, just not candidates.

However, aren't there laws regarding politicking within a certain distance of a polling place? As I recall, you are not even supposed to wear a t-shirt promoting a certain candidate or cause in a polling place.

[edcantor]

8. Many more churches than schools. $imple as that. NOT!!!

More churches than fire houses, schools, etc.

I lived in a place where I was 300 yards from a public school, and 400 yards from a church.

I voted in the church, even tho there was a polling place at both, and the school was bigger.

The schools were free to the town, the churches charged 3 days rent for that Clinton Presidential election.

Turns out, the church had people on the school board, the town selectmen, and the the election board for the town. Obviously, some money for rental had to go to the church, even tho the school for no cost to the city could accommodate every one on election day, a few hundred to the church for being an election place, too.

[laconicsax]

2. Re: The pictured church sign.

I didn't realize that Methodists were strong supporters in plural marriage.

[xchrom]

6. Depends on the church.

Most Methodists are probably pretty progressive - but there is in fighting over LGBTIQ issues.

[xfundy]

5. Holy Three-way!

Actually, if you consider the whole tri-whatever nature of god(s), it could be a five-way.

[laconicsax]

7. I think that would qualify as a gangbang.

I just feel sorry for the poor woman in the middle. None of the Trinity have much respect for women.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

9. Assholes.

Disappointing to see this on a Methodist church.

[laconicsax]

10. The UMC recently voted to stay homophobic.

That a Methodist church would support homophobia shouldn't come as a surprise.

[Odin2005]

11. Large parts of the South are essentially little theocracies.

And they get away with it because local officials let them.