Video the Vote

November 1, 2006 4:38 AM

Video the Vote."Starting this election... people like you and I... will document problems as they occur. We'll play them online, spread word through blogs and partner websites, doing our part to make sure the full story of our elections is told." via Rushkoff.
posted by gsb (15 comments total)

While this Video the Vote effort is no doubt well intentioned, I think there are probably lots of folks out there who will not wish to be videotaped by "citizen journalists" as they enter or exit their polling places.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:49 AM on November 1, 2006

Yet if they've experienced a "voting irregularity" and have the slightest feeling that it may go ignored, they may very much want to document the moment. I know I would.
posted by dreamsign at 6:00 AM on November 1, 2006

So if they can just invent a camera that only takes photos of some of the people...
posted by smackfu at 6:05 AM on November 1, 2006

I think there are probably lots of folks out there who will not wish to be videotaped by "citizen journalists" as they enter or exit their polling places.

So? They may not want to be videotaped by "professional journalists" either, but somehow the news shows get to do their thing anyway.
posted by languagehat at 6:06 AM on November 1, 2006

Somehow I'm envisioning a situation where photographic and video recording equipment will be banned from polling places (and enforced with a local peace officer) in order to help stem the tide of terrorism.
posted by owenkun at 6:14 AM on November 1, 2006

Isn't it illegal to bring recording equipment inside a voting booth or videotape people as they're voting without their consent? I thought the laws banning canvassing within radiuses of polling places also applied to videotaping, harassment, etc.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:16 AM on November 1, 2006

It is legal to videotape or photograph people in public where there is no expectation of privacy. I do not think it will be legal to photograph or film them at the voting booth (where there obviously is an expectation of privacy).

I was envisioning this conpect more for videotaping weird electronic voting machine behavior, i.e. recording the screen and it's odd behavior, as well as recording any partisan thugs either working at the polls or lingering around. Those people have no expectation of privacy, and can be filmed to your hearts content.

I am assuming there are no laws specifically prohibiting filming or photography at a polling place. To be on the safe side, don't use flash.
posted by Pastabagel at 6:24 AM on November 1, 2006

You're not even allowed to loiter within the 75 foot radius (at least in CT.) That would be a problem. Even if you're a voter in that polling place, you're only allowed in to vote, and they can kick you out if you hang around.
posted by smackfu at 6:36 AM on November 1, 2006

So? They may not want to be videotaped by "professional journalists" either, but somehow the news shows get to do their thing anyway.

CT actually has a special exemption in the law (CGS 9-236) for the media:

Representatives of the news media shall be allowed to enter, remain within and leave any polling place or restricted area surrounding any polling place to observe the election, provided any such representative who in any way interferes with the orderly process of voting shall be evicted by the moderator.

(I would rather not quote only my local laws but this differs in every state and you have to choose one. I'm not asserting in any way that the laws are the same everywhere.)
posted by smackfu at 6:39 AM on November 1, 2006

Huh. I did not know that. Thanks for the citation.
posted by languagehat at 6:49 AM on November 1, 2006

So if they can just invent a camera that only takes photos of some of the people...

This is about standing there, videotaping everyone?
Hmm, that's not what it says under "How It Works":

Step 2: Be ready
On Election Day be prepared and alert when you go to vote. If we learn of irregularities in your area, you may be called or sent a text message to respond and document what's happening.

Whether this is done with or without the willingness of the person involved in the "irregularity" isn't said, but it certainly doesn't sound like capturing everyone on tape. Am I mis-reading this, or are people not bothering to read?
posted by dreamsign at 6:52 AM on November 1, 2006

if someone walks around shooting video at my polling place next tuesday, i'll kick 'em out.

now, the real way is to be a certified poll watcher. they are allowed to stay.
posted by lester's sock puppet at 7:25 AM on November 1, 2006

Actually, the idea is of course to video tape/ record any issues where people leave the polling places after having been denied the right to vote, to record confrontations between poll workers and voters (from legal distances of course), etc... not to harrass or assemble illegally. The whole idea, in short, is to be there, and be ready to record if things go wrong.

There will also be coordination with an election protection hotline so that not only can we record the issues, but get legal assistance to voters that are being harrased or disenfranchised while there is still time to DO something about it, before the polls close.

If 2004 was any example at all, most people that are going to be taped are EAGER to discuss the issues they are having (in Ohio at least)


DISCLAIMER: I am working with the VtV effort in Columbus OH on election day. I have volunteered my time, and camera for the effort, and if you would like to do the same, go to the site and sign up. I actually expect it to be pretty fun.
posted by das_2099 at 9:19 AM on November 1, 2006

dreamsign : yeah, you got it. Not 'taping everyone'...recording issues as they are reported, and trying to get assistance as well as documentation of the issues
posted by das_2099 at 9:21 AM on November 1, 2006

Interview with Ian Inaba.
posted by homunculus at 12:30 PM on November 5, 2006