Voting today? Here’s what to expect at your polling place
When Clark County residents head to the voting booths for today’s primary election, rules will apply to ensure that all voters have a fair and unbiased experience and that the county’s 172 polling places don’t turn into campaign rallies. Here’s what voters can expect today and for the general election Nov. 6:
1. A campaign-free voting environment, at least within 100 feet of the ballot box
Electioneering, by federal law, is not allowed within that space, which means a candidate, staffer or member of the public cannot legally attempt to influence a would-be voter. Owners of voting locations on private property, like Meadows mall, also can choose not to allow any electioneering on their properties.
Distance markers surrounding the voting booths at most locations will signal to voters and campaign influencers the location of the 100-foot boundary. Polling place volunteers are also prohibited from electioneering, which includes wearing any kind of attire in support of a political party or candidate. That means no “Make America Great Again” hats or buttons with donkeys on them. Those in violation of electioneering laws at the ballot box are subject to arrest and gross misdemeanor charges carrying up to $2,000 in fines and one year in prison.
“We wouldn’t allow somebody who’s wearing a campaign T-shirt to work at the polling place,” says Jennifer Russell, spokeswoman for the Nevada secretary of state. “Every polling place has supervisors to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
2. An abundance of local voting locations with several booths
Most polling places in the Las Vegas Valley are located within 3 miles of a registered voter’s home address, according to the Clark County Election Department, and each polling place has anywhere from 20 to 40 individual booths for