Re: Voting with a camera
rover said:
Voting turnout was early and heavy in my part of the country. I went out with my camera and stopped at a few polling places to document the day. Then went and cast my ballot, camera in hand. I wanted to shoot at the 75 ft line. In CT no campaigning can be done within 75 feet from a polling place. So, a sign is placed at the 75ft line which tends to draw a gaggle of political signs and enthusiastic supporters, of someone.
So, go out and vote, and shoot today! I am off to drop off my film to see what I got.
I am posting again with some trepidation. Judging from the (lack of) responses I've had here to any of my posts recently, I gather I'm a bit of
persona non grata. So be it. I had resolved to stop posting for awhile, but this made me want to post a small warning. Please take this as I intend it as simple advice or a gentle suggestion - not to be a wet rag at a party, or to attack anyone, but just to let people know what is happening and what could happen.
As Francisco said - a photographer was arrested in Florida today and charged with interfering with police for taking pictures of a line of voters waiting outside a polling place. He was not remaining in the 'media tent' where he was expected to remain.
In addition, and I think more importantly - we must consider the effect that our photography may have on those voting.
Voting is like going to confession - it is a deeply personal and private experience. We go, yes, and we're in public for the length of time that we have to stand outside, but that we voted or for whom we voted is NOBODY'S BUSINESS - at least in the USA.
The reason that photographers and other media people are kept at a distance during voting is pretty simple - it can have a chilling effect on voter turnout. People who fear publicity may stay away or leave because they do not want to be photographed or interviewed - and we must not allow that to happen!
In any other public venue, I would agree that when a person goes out in public, they sacrifice some of their privacy - and if you photograph them, oh well - the usual requirements of getting a release if you intend to sell it, and to not holding a recognizable person up to ridicule, etc, hold, but otherwise they are fair game.
But I don't think it is appropriate to take photographs at a funeral or at a polling place. This is a private time - intensely personal. The act of even BEING THERE is difficult for many people, but they are moved by their civic duty to be there. We can't make it more difficult for them or make them feel harassed.
Sorry to be a pain.
Best Regards,
Bill Mattocks
