2010 primary early voting is over

[seniorshooteress]

Voted Saturday 2/20/10 NO cell phones allowed either.

[03Lightningrocks]

Voted Saturday 2/20/10 NO cell phones allowed either.

That is funny because my cell phone went off while I was standing at the machine and I answered it. Nobody said a word and there were five of them just standing five feet behind me. I didn't give it a second thought. I answered, said hey I am voting, let me call you back and went on about my business. I wonder what the reasons are for not allowing cell phones?

[seamusTX]

I don't know exactly why cell phones are prohibited. There has long been a ban on cameras and recording devices in polling places, to avoid voter intimidation. Since many cell phones contain voice recorders and cameras, they probably fall under that ban.

It's in the Election Code:

61.013. USE OF CERTAIN DEVICES. (a) A person may not use a wireless communication device within 100 feet of a voting station.
(b) A person may not use any mechanical or electronic means of recording images or sound within 100 feet of a voting station.
(c) The presiding judge may require a person who violates this section to turn off the device or to leave the polling place.

- Jim

[03Lightningrocks]

I don't know exactly why cell phones are prohibited. There has long been a ban on cameras and recording devices in polling places, to avoid voter intimidation. Since many cell phones contain voice recorders and cameras, they probably fall under that ban.

It's in the Election Code:

61.013. USE OF CERTAIN DEVICES. (a) A person may not use a wireless communication device within 100 feet of a voting station.
(b) A person may not use any mechanical or electronic means of recording images or sound within 100 feet of a voting station.
(c) The presiding judge may require a person who violates this section to turn off the device or to leave the polling place.

- Jim

OMG!!! That is funny... I bet the folks working the station did not realize what I was doing. We are all so accustomed to seeing cell phones hanging off folks ears that we don't pay attention to it. WOW!!!! Maybe I should delete my confession. How ironic would it be that the guy who rarely disarms, decides to disarm, and then gets thrown in jail for illegal carry of a cell phone.

[seniorshooteress]

Well I didn't see the sign hubs said was there so I had my cell in an outside pocket of my purse like I normally do. I do miss a lot of signs guess I need to really start looking around before I enter a bldg. from now on. I asked hubs why he didn't tell me and he said because the last time he told me about a sign that had a gun w/slash on the door I totally disregarded that so I guess he figured, why bother, she'll probably thumb her nose at that one too. But it would be bad if you got arrested for OC of a cell phone.

[seamusTX]

... gets thrown in jail for illegal carry of a cell phone.

I don't see any criminal penalty for violating this law.

Maybe the police would arrest for disorderly conduct or criminal trespass if someone insisted on violating it after being asked to stop.

It might be a good time to review this little gem buried in the Election Code:

276.005. VOTER'S PRIVILEGE FROM ARREST. A voter may not be arrested during the voter's attendance at an election and while going to and returning from a polling place except for treason, a felony, or a breach of peace.

- Jim

[03Lightningrocks]

... gets thrown in jail for illegal carry of a cell phone.

I don't see any criminal penalty for violating this law.

Maybe the police would arrest for disorderly conduct or criminal trespass if someone insisted on violating it after being asked to stop.

It might be a good time to review this little gem buried in the Election Code:

276.005. VOTER'S PRIVILEGE FROM ARREST. A voter may not be arrested during the voter's attendance at an election and while going to and returning from a polling place except for treason, a felony, or a breach of peace.

- Jim

Well that is a relief. I was just thinking, "I won't be taken alive!!!" and considering heading to Mexico. Thanks for the update. Now I can watch Glenn beck and fix some dinner.

[UpTheIrons]

Went to the elections office today and voted the bums out - well, as much as I could with just one vote. Didn't see a note about cell phones, but then again, I wasn't really looking for one. Was asked "Republican or Democrat" to which I replied "Neither!" Picked the "R" ballot anyway - most of the fun to be had was on that one. Now we wait...

[seamusTX]

If you can make it to a polling place in the next 50 minutes, you can still vote today.

Tuesday, March 2, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. is your next and last chance.

- Jim

[wgoforth]

I'm an election judge and although there is no penalty for you, I can go to prison (so the head of the local elections office warned us). We are told to stand at the door and tell people to leave them in their vehicles and if need be, hold our hands out for the phones and not allow them to vote until they comply. The rule against recording devices is the issue. It doesn't matter if you have them on vibrate, they could still record. Also, state offices have been warned that there WILL be federal observers sent to elections offices this year to check for problems, so they will be extra cautious this election.

[Estand]

Voted on way to work, no line!

[mr surveyor]

Since my wife is our election judge at our box, she decided to go and early vote today to get a look at the new ballot format now so she can be able to explain it to the voters next Tuesday. I decided to break my normal tradition of being the "first in line" on election day and voted today as well. When wew left she checked to voter turn out for the day and at 10 minutes til 6:00 p.m. there had been 74 Repub's and a total of 2 Dem's. I realize they had fewer candidates on the ballot, but one would think that even the governor's race would be reason enough for the Dem's to turn out. Admittedly, our area is about 60% Republican, but there seems to be a strange twist in the turnout. Primaries normally don't turn out the vote but I thought the numbers must be saying something about voter enthusiasm in general.


surv

[joe817]

I think it'll be interesting to note what the early election voting numbers will be.

[seamusTX]

Galveston County had about 5,000 early voters. That is about 10% of the turnout for a non-presidential general election.

Republicans outnumbered Democrats by a small margin.

I should note that in addition to the gubernatorial race, Dr. Ron Paul had three -- count 'em -- three primary challengers, all claiming to be more conservative than Dr. Paul.

About half of Galveston County is in the district that Dr. Paul represents.

- Jim

[joe817]

Tarrant County had 46,353 early vote:

38,938 - Rep.
7,415 - Dem.