When one party has complete control over government, little things like “laws” don’t really apply to them – especially if it’s an election law and the violation helps keep them in power.
It reminds me of what PAFOA’s Dan Pehrson warned about back in 2008 in regards to the lawlessness that exists in all corners of Philadelphia.
Yet, what baffles me the most is that these leaders wonder where criminals get the idea that laws don’t apply to them! Don’t they see the example they set so publicly? The willful defiance has made headlines for weeks, reminding residents that the Council, mayor and police commissioner consider themselves to be above state law. Why shouldn’t average citizens be as well?
Rainy days call for civility.
I have worked the polls many, many years. When it rains the Judge of Elections has the option of allowing the party affiliated tables inside out of the weather. Generally the booths are moved further away from the door.
I think this is the case. Now go after all the dead people who voted yesterday and I will show you so law breaking.
In her defense, does the statute banning electioneering within 10′ of an entrance specify which -side- of the entrance. ;)
Note the first response on that site included a complaint that taking pictures in an election site is illegal and that “you guys do it too”. I am guessing the “constables” the poster mentions being barred from election sites were political appointees and part of the problem?
Makes me appreciate the lack of one-sided machine politics up here.
I’m not quite as flexible on weather like that. You’re talking to someone who was involved with campaigns up in Massachusetts – hardly a pleasant time in November. A full table isn’t required for electioneering, so it’s not unreasonable that you can expect the parties to reach the same goals by putting someone outside with an umbrella. Besides, it was only off and on a bit yesterday, nothing like today.
Actually, a judge in the Scranton area bumped the requirement back to 30′ when electioneering folks got out of hand. I think we can have civility and still abide by the laws. Now, if the weather suddenly turns crazy, then I don’t see a problem with inviting the party volunteers inside while asking them to put their campaign literature away. It’s not like there will be a flood of people if the weather gets that bad.
Standing at the polls are usually who?? Older folks, right?
I am not against having Approved Poll watchers and campaign reps inside. I think all selected locations should have an inside location (Atrium)for the poll workers. Many people hate having to “walk the gauntlet” into the polls to vote. So if there are table with older volunteers sitting, I am OK with that. I mean really, how many votes does this old lady sway. I think the Black Panther issue was far, far worse and nothing came of that.
Working from 6:30 until 9:30 straight is tough for many of these older folks who often are at the polls. I know WE(The Republican party of my town) buy dinner for all the volunteers, Demoncrat or Republican or other. Civility is important. Cold damp days are potential killers. Might be Pizza, might be sandwich order, but it’s a little thank you.
Well I went in to vote, they were not ready at 7AM. Then the machines did not get working until 7:15, they were trying. But then the volunteers keep saying aloud.. he’s a republican… until I finally got in to vote…
That Dan Pehrson quote sounds familiar…..
“Our government is the potent, omnipresent teacher. For good or for ill, it teaches the whole people by its example.”
–Justice Brandeis dissenting in Olmstead
A sentiment I definitely sympathize with. It’s a damn shame that repeating it opens you up to criticism as it was also one of McVeigh’s favorites.