With the August 27 election approaching, county election board officials are reminding voters of Election Day laws.
PERSONS WHO ARE ALLOWED TO RESIDE IN THE ELECTION AREA
It is a crime for any person other than voters and poll workers to be within 30 feet of a ballot drop box during an election in progress. In addition, it is unlawful for any person other than poll workers and voters to be in the polling area where voters are checked in, received ballots, and voted. This law does not apply to minor children accompanying voters to their polling place. A news reporter or photographer is permitted to remain in the polling area for no more than five (5) minutes while covering the election in progress. The reporter or photographer shall not obstruct voters or poll workers, observe individual voters while they are filling out a ballot, or photograph voters filling out a ballot.
Illegal voting
It is a crime to vote more than once in an election, to vote in a precinct after you have transferred your voter registration to a new precinct, or to vote knowing you are ineligible to vote. It is also unlawful to vote and submit a mail-in ballot made out to someone else.
ELECTION CAMPAIGN
Campaigning means advocating for or against a candidate or issue on the ballot. It is a crime to be within 300 feet of a ballot box while an election is in progress. Campaigning can be verbal or involve displaying items such as signs, pamphlets, t-shirts, buttons or hats. If voters are unsure whether their clothing or accessories would constitute a voting crime, they are advised to leave those items at home.
PRINT MATERIAL
No printed matter other than that provided by the Board of Elections may be publicly displayed or exhibited within 300 feet of a ballot drop box during an election in progress. However, voters may bring personal notes to assist them in their voting decision while filling out their ballot. Personal notes must remain concealed within the voting area at all other times.
PHOTOS AND VOTING DISCLOSURE
A voter may take a digital image or photograph of their completed ballot at the polling place. However, voters are prohibited from posting the image or photograph on social media or otherwise distributing it or disclosing how they voted until they leave the polling place.
Election interference
It is an offense to obstruct the orderly and lawful conduct of an election. No person, including a lawfully appointed observer or poll worker, shall interfere with a registered voter in voting or attempt to influence a person’s vote by force or intimidation. This applies to activities both before and during an election.
SURVEY RESULTS
A “pollday pollster” is a person officially appointed by the clerk of the county election board to conduct “polls” or surveys of voters leaving the polling place. During an election in progress, no pollster may be within 50 feet of a ballot box and may only use paper ballot materials. Any person conducting a pollday poll within 300 feet of a ballot box must present identification provided by the clerk of the county election board. Voters are not required to participate in pollday polls.
RUSH
It is illegal to bring alcoholic beverages of any kind or quantity within a half-mile radius of a polling place on an election day. In addition, no person may vote or be within 300 feet of a polling place while intoxicated on an election day.
REPORTING POSSIBLE CRIMES
Voters who believe voter fraud is occurring should contact their county election office or local police during the course of the fraud or as soon as possible. Be prepared to provide as much information and documentation as possible. For more information or to report a possible election law violation, contact the Logan County Elections Office at (405) 282-1900 or [email protected].
