Dont ComplyCalMatters reports that some of California's most populous counties have issued guidelines restricting press coverage of Election Day at polling places. On Oct. 27, the Kern County election office barred media from filming within 100 feet of poll sites and ballot drop boxes. A coalition of media outlets led by CalMatters and the First Amendment Coalition sent two letters to the county registrar. An Oct. 30 update barred filming of voters who feel intimidated and required all interviews to occur at least 25 feet from entrances. The coalition says no statute requires the first and that the cited law covers only exit polling. The First Amendment Coalition found at least nine other counties, including Alameda, Los Angeles and Santa Clara, with similar rules. A secretary of state spokesperson said she was seeking clarity and would respond.
Why it matters
Press groups say the restrictions go beyond what state law allows and could limit public scrutiny of how elections are run. The ACLU of Northern California also worries they could discourage bystanders from recording federal immigration activity near polling places.
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