Get out and vote so possibly the personal attacks from Wes Blackman, Jim Stafford and a few of their more vocal friends who love to hurl insults can calm the heck down. You would swear, if you follow that blog, that I was the one running for office.
As we were at the polls this morning, Jim Stafford and Wes pulled up with their signs. Loretta was already there for Stafford as well as McVoy supporters. The only incident at my polling place, Lakeside Methodist Church on 12th Avenue South, was some guy who took offense at McVoy supporter, Susan Ona, wearing a campaign t-shirt as she stopped to say good morning to me while I was in line.
“Voters may wear campaign buttons, shirts, hats, or any other campaign items when they enter the polling place to vote; voters may not otherwise campaign there.” (From the Polling Place Procedures Manual incorporated within Rule 1S-2.034, Florida Administrative Code. So, merely going to the polls wearing campaign paraphernalia is OK, but, by statute (s. 102.031(4), Florida Statutes), one cannot solicit voters within 100 foot of the entrance to any polling place.
I even checked with the person in charge of the polling precinct and was informed that, yes you can wear your t-shirt while waiting in line to vote, while voting and inside the polling place or to walk in and use the restrooms. You just can't campaign within 100 feet. As I left, this guy was still arguing with me. "It's against the law," he said. "It's unfair." Stopping to say "hello" to someone was not soliciting.
Election results will be posted on the front door around 8pm.
For some reason, it is only local politics that gets testy.
OUR VOICES WERE HEARD--GO OBAMA
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