Anti-electioneering laws won't necessarily keep people seeking to influence voters away from Kentuckians waiting in long lines at the polls.
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron says the state's 100-foot ban on electioneering at the polls starts at the polling location entrance — not where the line ends.
The opinion comes in response to a question from Secretary of State Michael Adams, who sought clarification on the rules, noting that social distancing recommendations and reduced polling spots could produce long lines.
In his response, Cameron's office said the text in statute indicates the 100 feet would be measured from the front of the polling location.
Speaking at his daily press briefing, Gov.Andy Beshear said he's "really concerned" about the opinion, saying that "people who show up in line to vote should not have anybody trying to either get their vote, either in a positive or a negative way." He promised his administration will be "watching very carefully."
Under Kentucky law, electioneering includes the displaying of signs, distribution of campaign literature, cards, or handbills, or the soliciting of petition signatures or votes for or against candidates. State law does allow for the presence of certified "challengers" who can raise potential issues about the eligibility of a voter, but they cannot electioneer, attempt to harass or intimidate voters, or otherwise disrupt election proceedings.
