Sure you might end up with a photo published in the New York Times, but this is my take on it

Like many news organizations these days, The New York Times is asking its readers to do its work for them.

Its latest venture is a program cleverly titled “Polling Place Photo Project” in which they are asking readers to submit photos (free, of course) of polling places throughout the United States during the primaries and general elections.

http://carlosmiller.com/2008/01/11/only-if-the-new-york-times-promises-to-bail-me-out-of-jail">read more.

are they looking to get half the population thrown in jail? Don't know for sure, but I bet you have to have a press pass or some sort of permit to photograph at the polls.

but I'd be willing to be that you would get hustled off the site by cops if not just outright arrested. I think paranoia is the answer to your question.

Fuck that. It's time to fight back.

I know it's easy for me to say now, but it's worth even getting arrested for.

There is something called the First Amendment. It guarantees us many rights. Many court cases have ruled that photography falls under that amendment.

And it really doesn't differentiate between those with a press pass and those without.

Trust me when I say this for I've had many press passes. I have a collection somewhere in my apartment from over the years.

A press pass might get an ignorant cop off your ass. But it really don't mean shit as far as the law goes.

Non-journalists have the same rights as journalists.

In Colorado you can't have cell phones, cameras, laptops, or PDA's. Since I do the Poll Watcher (GOTV) thing... I've never seen anyone take a snap inside the polling place. If I did... I'd probably ask him/her to stop. If they didn't... I would first tell the Polling Judge to make him/her stop and if that didn't work... I'd call the Police.

Why? Because I respect the privacy of those that actually take the time to show up and vote. I wouldn't be making a determination as to the rights of the photog. If someone came in and started disrupting the voting process by taking snaps of everyone I'd get pissed off. Mainly cause' I'm not a morning person and I'm usually in a pissy mood all day.
:crazy:

Even the NY Times lays it out pretty clear....(my bold)

Photography of polling places is governed by state and local law — there is no one answer for what is permissible.

Obviously, you need to follow the rules at your local polling place, and you should be respectful of other citizens who may not wish to be photographed.

...because I've gone in to vote while carrying a cellphone and PDA (one of which had a built-in camera) in my pockets many times.

Of course, now that I vote absentee, it's not a problem...unless you're forbidden from having those items with you when you vote at home. :scared:

It's a rough state. :P

... of course I met "can't use".

It pays to know your local laws.

within the 100' electioneering perimeter. State Election law.

free.
This is a trend which is destroying the livelyhood of many people.

Because of so many free sites that will publish. It's competition for clicks.