How close can a campaigner be to the voting area?

[usedtobedemgurl]

We just parked immediately in front of the voting area. (I have a handicap placard, so I was close. We were directed to curbside voting by someone with a sheriff’s shirt on. He handed us his campaign stuff and said he is the current sheriff and he would love for us to vote for him.

Where we are parked, waiting to curbside vote, there are signs stating no voting beyond that point. It is far from the front door.

I was not sure hoe far this guy was supposed to stay, so just checking with you wonderful, educated people.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

1. Depends on the state.

[usedtobedemgurl]

4. My state is NC.

[unc70]

11. Usually not allowed within 50 feet of entrance

County election board can reduce that to 25 feet in some locations. At most locations, a forest of campaign signs are planted just outside that distance with a swarm of candidates and campaign workers just beyond.

[Ocelot II]

2. Depends on your state election laws.

[usedtobedemgurl]

5. It is NC. :)

[Ocelot II]

8. Google is your friend but I'll save you the trouble. It's 50 feet in NC.

https://www.ncsbe.gov/news/press-releases/2020/10/09/voter-intimidation-prohibited-law-north-carolina

[usedtobedemgurl]

13. I have a traumatic brain injury....

I have problems googling professionals to see for my whiplash, post concussion syndrome, severe PTSD and depression. My brain has not worked properly since my accident. I try terms for Google. I used to be smart but now feel so dumb. Thank you for the link. I do appreciate it.

[Ocelot II]

14. Sorry about your accident, hope you get better soon.

[usedtobedemgurl]

16. Thank you! nt

[drray23]

3. this depends on the laws in your state.

For example, in my state of Virginia, its 40 feet:

§ 24.2-604. Polling places; prohibited activities; prohibited area; penalties.
A. During the times the polls are open and ballots are being counted, or within one hour of opening or after closing, it is unlawful for any person (i) to loiter or congregate within 40 feet of any entrance of any polling place; (ii) within such distance to give, tender, or exhibit any ballot, ticket, or other campaign material to any person or to solicit or in any manner attempt to influence any person in casting his vote; (iii) to hinder or delay a qualified voter in entering or leaving a polling place; or (iv) to knowingly possess any firearm as defined in § 18.2-308.2:2 within 40 feet of any building, or part thereof, used as a polling place.

with full statute here :

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title24.2/chapter6/section24.2-604/

[usedtobedemgurl]

6. I am situated in NC.

It bothers me because the sheriff is a right wing asshole! Heck, it would bother me anyway, but I know they use fear tactics.

[Hope22]

7. From 2019...

http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/ElectionsEthics/2019-ElectioneeringDistancesByState.pdf

[usedtobedemgurl]

9. That is excellent.

Thank you for the link. I have not been able to research efficiently since my brain injury. (Can’t seem to come up with valid terms for the search) I really appreciate it.

[Botany]

10. 100' from the front door ... that is true in most states

n/t

[unc70]

12. Only 50 feet in NC

[usedtobedemgurl]

15. I feel he was a little under this, but....

It is probably not worth pissing off a right wing sheriff by challenging him. I felt accosted with him handing his material into our car. That was just not cool to me.

[Botany]

17. You should have told somebody working inside the poll (or any of the election protection observers.)

No need to talk to the sheriff yourself.

At some places they put our flags to mark the limit to talking to a voter. In Columbus OH's
(Franklin County) there is a line painted on the black top.