Do you think that average citizens should be allowed to photograph voting areas?

[mirror wall]

Yes or no? I remember having an argument with someone on this board a while back who thought that they shouldn't be allowed because the presence of a camera could intimidate some voters. I argued that there are a plethora of legitimate reasons for why someone might want to take photos-- from a pure documentary impulse to the very noble thought that perhaps by recording the vote, voting irregularities can be caught and remedies, maybe even before polls close.

I just heard an excellent piece on NPR's _On the Media_ that featured an activist who is advocating that everyone video their vote. You can listen to it here: http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2008/10/31/02

If you are interested in participating in the a video the vote project, you can do so either here: http://www.citmedialaw.org/legal-guide/documenting-your-vote or here: http://www.videothevote.org/

I think it's a great idea and that the laws currently on the books in states like FL, TX, KY, NV, etc. violate the spirit of the first amendment.

What do you think?

[spinbaby]

1. Many counties in PA won't allow cameras

Under the excuse that cameras would confuse first-time voters.

[amdezurik]

2. two very different actions

A) recording the general area for whatever reason (documentery, vote protection, making sure you ID the dems so you can "get" them later on...)

B) in the booth recording your own vote.

B is not the same action as A...

[MrCoffee]

3. I don't like the idea of people snapping photos of potential voters outside the poll

Video the vote is a very different thing than taking pictures of other people at the poll.

[frogcycle]

4. I took a photo of the touchscreen before hitting "ok" - got accused

by the freeper in the next booth of voter fraud.

He called the election judge over and claimed people pay people to vote their way, have them take a picture to prove they did it, then go out and get their $5 or bottle of gin or whatever.

Apparently faux news ran a piece warning of this threat to the fabric of democracy, and this guy thought he was the lone ranger riding around fighting for truth, justice, and the american way.

The judge told him to shut up and mind his own business.

[drmeow]

5. Good for the judge! n/t

[MrCoffee]

6. Did you get your finski?

That's a fantastic story! I love it!

[frogcycle]

11. I thought later that I should have waited outside for him

not do anything; just stand on the sidewalk waiting for him to come out and see what he did. Given relative size, there is a good chance I could raise him over my head, spin, and body-slam him like in wwf. Of course I would not do anything, but it would have been fun to watch him veer off and walk on the lawn to steer clear...

:rofl:

Actually, I think he left before me. Probably running!

[MrCoffee]

12. Too fantastic for words

That's just beautiful.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[surrealAmerican]

7. I think people SHOULD be allowed to photograph ...

... in any public space. But I would definitely check what the local laws are before trying to photograph a polling place.

[crikkett]

9. it's only fair considering how many electric eyes are trained on us.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

8. Absolutely Not.

[arthritisR_US]

10. I'm with you, I think it's a great idea. I think videos would intimidate the thief's more than

anything else, JMO.