‘The Polling Place Photo Project’
Steve Safran November 7th, 2006
The Polling Place Photo Project is one of many sites where people are documenting their voting experiences. People snap a quick picture from their polling station and upload it, along with the type of ballot featured, the quality of service they received and some other basic information. Not just for negative experiences, either - nearly all are positive. So, is it legal to take pictures inside the polls? newassignment.net, which pointed us to the photo project, says the matter’s unclear. There’s no federal law, and there are some state-by-state guides that only partially clarify the issue.
3 Comments Add your own
1. Richard Cotton | November 7th, 2006 at 4:14 pm
I am a freelance photojournalist and have shot election-day polling places for nearly two decades. I’ve never been questioned or otherwise challenged.
I would suggest making sure not to shoot a ballot being marked by someone because that defeats the secret ballot. Also, if someone says they don’t want their picture taken, just don’t take it.
Saltillo, Mississippi
2. steve garfield | November 7th, 2006 at 7:41 pm
The Polling Place Photo Project needs to provide a field where the uploader can submit their URL and have their name and website associated with their photo.
The way it is now, you have to make your name and email public to have your credit displayed with your photo.
People don’t want to make their emails public.
it would be a good idea if they hooked up with flickr so you don’t have to upload twice.
3. Robocop | January 20th, 2008 at 6:07 am
Wow, thanks for the excellent information!
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