Is It Legal to Photograph Your Polling Place?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the legality of photographing polling places during elections, with a focus on varying state laws and the implications of such actions. Participants explore the nuances of what is permissible, including photography inside and outside polling locations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions that the New York Times collected polling place photos and suggests a similar initiative could be undertaken by others.
  • Another participant asserts that photographing polling places is illegal in Alabama, expressing a personal opinion on the matter.
  • A participant expresses enthusiasm for the idea and indicates they will try to remember to bring a camera.
  • It is noted that taking pictures outside polling places is generally acceptable, but there are uncertainties regarding photography inside polling places, which varies by state.
  • A participant cautions against using flash or drawing attention when photographing, emphasizing the importance of checking local laws and enforcement policies first.
  • One participant references the Alabama Attorney General's site, highlighting ambiguity regarding videotaping at polls and mentioning concerns about voter intimidation expressed by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the legality of photographing polling places, with some asserting it is illegal in certain states while others highlight the ambiguity and variability of laws across different jurisdictions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding specific legal interpretations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on specific state laws governing photography at polling places and the potential for differing interpretations of what constitutes intimidation or acceptable behavior.

physics girl phd
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The New York Times is collecting polling place photos from the 2008 presidential election.
http://pollingplaces.nytimes.com/
Think it would be possible for us to do the same?

Special Notes:
"Photography of polling places is governed by state and local law — there is no one answer for what is permissible." Ask if you're allowed to take photos, and be respectful: do not include people in your photos if you haven't asked their permission.

I'll post ours here tomorrow, and I invite you to do the same.
 
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I believe it is illegal in Alabama, as it should be.
 
Great idea, dr-pg, I'll try to remember my camera!
 
Pictures outside polling places are apparently no problem. Photographing lines and placards doesn't seem to be any problem at all. But there is some question about taking pictures inside polling places. This varies state to state.

If anyone in intending to do so, I would caution not to use a flash or generally draw attention to yourself, like wearing your SLR around your neck, if you are not going to check your local laws or enforcement policies first.
 
hmm, according to the AG's site it's a bit ambiguous.

http://www.ago.state.al.us/contact_faqs.cfm

Can someone videotape at the polls?
No. General news coverage of candidates and public officials voting and of crowds at the polling place is allowed, but the U.S. Department of Justice has expressed a concern that other videotaping may intimidate voters and it is not allowed.​
 
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