Question on giving out water, food, etc. to those in need at polls--legal?

[wildflower]

I suggested to someone I know that they bring some extra water bottles (and other supplies) to the polls, in case there were elderly or other people in line who became weak, faint, etc.

Question: This is legal, right? As long as someone isn't trading water, food, or first aid for votes?

Thanks!!!

-wildflower

[molly]

1. You cannot go inside

it must be done outside of the polling places.

[wildflower]

3. Ah, ok. But...

I thought I heard about some distance requirement? Like, you can't do X, Y, or Z within 100 yards of the building, or something like that? Is this true?

Thanks!

-wildflower

[molly]

5. When you get there, go inside and ask

they usually have boundaries.

[prodigal_green]

2. Bring along anything you think they'll need

You just can't "electioneer," i.e., show support for one candidate or another.

[wildflower]

4. Right...ok so no stickers, buttons, pins, etc. What about...

Red Sox hats? :)

-wildflower

[dsc]

6. You are likely to get in trouble

Most states have very broad vote buying statutes which list anything of value in return for votes. A candidate here was forced to stop giving out apples bearing her name due to a law like that.

[Qutzupalotl]

8. But if you're not giving it in return for a vote,

if you're just giving it to help people cope with the long lines, regardless of who they're voting for, you should have no problems.

Just don't wear a Kerry button. Give food/water to everybody who wants it, even if you know some of them are Republicans.

The deal is that when everybody votes, Democrats win. If you're willing for, say 40% of your expenditures to go to Republican voters, you could be helping to ensure a Kerry victory.

Someone suggested bringing your leftover Halloween candy bag and handing it down or up the line. I think that's an excellent idea.

I recommend small bottles of water so people won't need to take bathroom breaks.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1247285

[wildflower]

11. Excellent points, and thanks for the link to the other thread on this. n/t

[Lex]

7. I think you probably need to make the gifts of food & water Nonpartisan.

Nothing on YOU or on the stuff you are giving should be partisan, and it should be done at least 50 feet or more from where people are actually going inside to vote.

[Ranec]

9. Will this only be an issue in Ohio and Florida?

I think in most states the lines won't be that much longer than normal.

I expect only a 5-10 minute wait when I show up as the doors open. (I have to check when that is.)

As for giving out water, I would play it by ear and obey the election workers. I have sinking feeling though that the election workers are going to be frazzled--They are generally seniors and don't deserve the sort of harassment that I fear is going to face them.

Maybe we should bring snacks for them! :-)

[wildflower]

10. I believe there are long lines everywhere....

DUers in other states: this is what has been happening, yes?

You also can do a search in the forums on "long lines"; that will probably pull up some posts, or check the voting problems forum.

-wildflower

[Qutzupalotl]

12. Kick

for a good cause.

[CitySky]

13. I like the Halloween candy idea

I'm going to be "electioneering" for Morrison just outside the boundary of the "Zone," so I guess I can't pass out the candy.

But maybe I will bring in my bowl and plunk it down at the table with the poll workers when I get there at 6:30 tomorrow morning, for whoever wants it later. Then it's a perk for voting, but not linked to the Morrison campaign, right? And it gets the Milky Ways OUT of my house!

www.morrisonfor22.com