KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — Kootenai County voters heading to the polls Tuesday may notice things have changed. Updated election laws have pushed electioneers back an additional 150 feet.
During Idaho’s recent legislative session, lawmakers passed an emergency law to improve voter safety. The law requires electioneers to set up further away from polling place exits and entrances to reduce intimidation and interference.
“I think it’s appropriate. I think that if there were signs closer at that point, it’s more of a safety hazard,” said electioneer Gaylee Ankerberg.
This is the second election this law has been put in place. Kootenai County election officials say poll judges have a map showing a 250-foot boundary where electioneers are not allowed to set up.
Ankerberg said people need to focus on not hitting someone headed to vote with their car. She even said the increased distance calms everyone down.
“They’re honking, they’re waving, they’re all excited and then it’s like ‘Okay, now we’re in. We’re down to business.’ And that’s how I think it should be,” she said.
Other electioneers somewhat disagree with the new law.
“I didn’t agree with the change. But in this particular instance, I do think that helped it because it prevents obstruction of traffic,” said electioneer Nina Beesley.
At the end of the day though, everyone has to follow the new rule.
If an electioneer doesn’t follow the rules, an election judge will ask them to move.
“If we have anyone that could be potentially violating the 250-feet rule, we had the judges go out there and observe,” said Jennifer Locke, the Kootenai County clerk.
If they refuse, however, there will be consequences.
“If they’re not moving, then local law enforcement can be called to see what’s going on with that situation,” Locke said.
Coeur d’Alene Police said it has specific officers assigned to respond to these types of calls on Election Day.
When police arrive, Lock said they follow a three-strike rule. The first two violations will result in a $300 fine each. For the third violation, the person will be charged with a misdemeanor that could result in jail time.
The law does not prevent you from wearing a shirt or hat in support of your candidate while at the polls. Any private property within the boundary can also still display political material.
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