Today I voted at my brand new precinct voting location for the first time since I moved out of my old precinct.
It was nice and close and the election judges were friendly, for the most part.
As I walked into the polling place I was greeted by two gentlemen handing out Obama and Democratic fliers. Just as I was thinking to myself whether they were allowed to be so close to the entrance the little old woman in front of me very loudly started saying they weren't allowed to do this. One of the men nicely explained to the woman that they were allowed as long as they were 100 feet from the entrance.
He was indeed correct, which I believe irritated the old lady, who I'm guessing was voting Republican.
What I found irritating was not so much the friendly hello accompanied by a flier, but the election judges scolding the voters who were forced to carry in the fliers they were handed a 100 feet before.
Election rules state that campaign propaganda should not be visible inside a polling place. So I understand why the judges had to tell the voters to put it away, but I think the better solution would be to address this with the men out front.
I did notice a garbage can was placed outside the entrance so people could toss the fliers as they walked in. But this was not really noticeable to the mother in front of me pushing a stroller while searching her purse for her voter's card and trying not to drop the fliers.
The election judges are just doing their jobs by repeatedly telling people to get rid of the fliers. And the men passing out the fliers are doing a job of their own. But lets be honest, is the man handing you an Obama flier right before you are placing your vote really going to change your mind if you planned on voting for McCain?
I understand that some people remain undecided pretty close to the election, but I think most know which presidential candidate they are voting for by the time they park their car at their designated polling place.
Really it seems the fliers are just a waste of paper.
I hope these flier pushers were just as persistent in encouraging people to register to vote and to show up to exercise their right.
Mallory Medved is an assistant managing editor of weekly publications for
the Sun-Times News Group. She helps cover the Lincoln-Way area and towns
southwest of Joliet. Being naturally nosy has led her to a career in
journalism and fulfilled her dream of getting paid to read. Being a new
homeowner and a future bride, she's also perpetually broke, but enjoys
hearing about other people in the same situation. She lives in Plainfield
but is a native of New Lenox.
Christina Chapman is a Will County resident who desperately wants to live in Grundy County. But since she lost that battle with her boyfriend when they bought a house, she makes due covering Grundy County news for The Herald News in Joliet. When not covering municipal meetings, school events and finding the truth behind the latest coffee talk, she is trying to balance life as a young home owner who is fighting the stereotype that she is living in sin because she is not yet married. She hopes to share with you her perspective on life and the news in hopes that you’ll share yours.
Leave a comment