Electioneering at polling sites causes hassle
While north country voters had few problems with the new electronic voting machines, elections officials reported widespread problems with campaign volunteers electioneering outside of polling sites.
Elections workers in the St. Lawrence County municipalities of Fowler and Parishville called police because people were electioneering within the 100-foot boundary set by state Board of Elections regulations.
Joy Yearout, spokeswoman for the Susan B. Anthony List, said it was one of her volunteers who encountered the police in Fowler. Her anti-abortion group had 200 volunteers at more than 52 polling locations across the district passing out pamphlets urging voters to pick Conservative Party candidate Douglas L. Hoffman in the 23rd Congressional District race.
"The police came and said he was fine," she said.
Ms. Yearout blamed overzealous poll workers "using the only tool they have, and that's intimidation."
Both Jefferson County elections commissioners traveled to polling sites in Watertown to urge campaign volunteers to keep their distance from polling sites. The pair set up signs marking the electioneering boundary.
"We've received some complaints, but everything is under control," said Sean M. Hennessey, Jefferson County Democratic elections commissioner.
About 11 a.m., Mr. Hennessey and Republican Elections Commissioner Jerry O. Eaton were at the Emma Flower Taylor Fire Station on South Massey Street, ushering a campaign volunteer closer to the street.
"People are very passionate about this election, but we'd like them to respect the voters," Mr. Hennessey said.
In Watertown, volunteers handed out fliers for the Hoffman campaign outside at least three polling stations.
In Lewis County, elections officials removed signs advertising Mr. Hoffman because they were placed too close to a polling station.
"I just feel like the candidate should have their workers under control," said Elaine McLear, Lewis County Democratic elections commissioner. "There are ways to handle things, and we had to do what we thought was proper."
Times staff writer Jude Seymour contributed to this report.
