LANSING – In a move designed to reduce voter intimidation and harassment at the polls, State Representative Richard E. Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Township) has introduced legislation that would limit the actions of campaign workers on Election Day.
"Voting is one of the most basic rights that we have as Americans," Hammel said. "Everyone who goes to vote on Election Day should be provided with a neutral polling place that is free from intimidation. My plan will help make that happen."
Under Michigan's current election laws, no campaign literature, posters or workers are allowed within 100 feet of the entrance of a polling location. However, this buffer zone is not large enough to protect voters from overzealous campaigners. Hammel's plan would increase the minimum distance from 100 feet to 500 feet to help eliminate any coercion that campaign workers might use on potential voters.
"The way that some of these polling places are laid out, someone might still have to walk through a dozen yelling campaign workers just to get from their car to the voting booth," Hammel said. "If just one person stays home on Election Day because they are afraid of what might be waiting for them at the polls, then their rights have been denied, and that is unacceptable. Any change that helps protect the rights of Michigan's citizens is a step in the right direction."