George --

I noticed, on loper.org, Jeffrey Rossman's concerns about possible harassment of petition circulators outside the polls on primary election day, June 14.

The Electoral Board and the General Registrar took time at the training of election officials to discuss this matter with them. We wanted the people who would be working in Charlottesville's eight polling places to know that there would be petitioners outside the polls and that some voters may complain.

Election officials have been instructed to enforce the 40-foot limit that prohibits electioneering or other political activity within 40 feet of a polling place. As long as the activity takes place outside the 40-foot limit, it is permitted under Virginia election law.

If voters observe activity within the 40-foot limit and they convey this information to the Chief or Assistant Chief inside the polling place, the Chief may take appropriate action to stop the illegal activity. If they find that the activity is taking place outside the 40-foot zone, election officials are not authorized to take any action to stop it.

We are confident that our experienced and well-trained election officials will address any voter concerns brought before them with the civility, politeness, and professionalism that we have learned to expect from each of them.

I hope that all voters will respect the rights of others to express their opinions outside of polling places, whether it is to support one or more candidates or to collect signatures on a petition for candidates or one to put a measure on the next election's ballot.

If your readers are interested in further information, they may wish to look at § 24.2-604 of the Virginia Code, entitled "Prohibited activities at polls; notice of prohibited area; presence of representatives of parties or candidates; simulated elections; penalties; neutral observers; news media."

--Rick Sincere (electronic mail, June 10, 2005)
Chairman
Electoral Board
City of Charlottesville

Editor's Note: For further discussion of expression of opinion inside and outside of the polling places and differences with respect to implementation of policy in Charlottesville and Albemarle, see Wearing Political Paraphernalia in Virginia Polling Precincts.