Bangor police officer denied opportunity to vote while wearing his sidearm

[Vyacheslav]

why do you think a citizen should not attend a polling place armed?

 

[THE DARK KNIGHT]

why do you think a citizen should not attend a polling place armed?

To be honest, yes, I would prefer no guns for anyone at a polling place, though guns for anyone would also be a valid option.

However, the reason I would prefer no weapons for anyone at a polling place, is because I think that it could be mis-used to intimidate others and interfere with the democratic process.

 

[ForumSurfer]

However, the reason I would prefer no weapons for anyone at a polling place, is because I think that it could be mis-used to intimidate others and interfere with the democratic process.

You know, at first I wanted to disagree with TDK. I'm torn after reading that statement, however. Part of me subscribes to the belief that I have the right to carry where ever I choose within the confines of the law. On the other hand, I can see his point as quoted above.

 

[SSN Vet]

Ever been to Bangor?

Somehow, I'm not surprised...

It's almost as bad as Portland.

 

[jahwarrior]

justashooter in PA said:

pennsylvania statute specifically allows an armed peace officer to enter a polling place if in the performance of his duties as requested by the polling place officers, or, in the act of placing his own vote. this is in S6120, IIRC. private citizens are also entitled to carry openly or concealed into a polling place. NJ may not be that free, but in PA, it how we roll, baby.

word.

 

[Gaffer]

By not allowing CCW at the polling place you are making it a gun free zone and thereby inviting any nut case to create a killing field similar to Ft. Hood. If such carries are not questioned then no one knows if there will be or won't be and the risk goes down. You people who rely on the police to always save your hide are the same ones who ask why it took so long for help to arrive.
The people who ask these questions are the same people who do not realize that it is gun ownership that creates a fear in the mind of burgulars that is a deterent that covers all homes. Let people carry who have passed CCW muster and the world will be a safer place for all.

 

[Kr4kJ4k]

Traditionally, the Swiss have used arms as voter ID. Only freemen can bear arms so anyone bearing arms is eligible to vote. Their assemblies are known for being harmonious. Linky: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landsgemeinde

 

[CZ223]

So much here to agree

and disagree with.

SSNVET: Yes, I have been to both Bangor and Portland Nothing is as bad as Portland, and I live in Lewiston.

Since Maine allows open carry, and there are no laws prohibiting anyone from carrying at the polls, it would appear that it is legal to carry openly at the polls. In at least the last three elctions I have carried concealed to the polls. I am considering carrying openly tomorrow. Keep in mind that there are certain buildings where Federal law prohibits the carrying of firearms, concealed or otherwise.

 

[EddieNFL]

I agree with the supervisor, no weapons for anyone at a polling place IMO.

The election warden who turned the officer away has been dismissed

He was wrong, too.

 

[EddieNFL]

To be honest, yes, I would prefer no guns for anyone at a polling place, though guns for anyone would also be a valid option.

However, the reason I would prefer no weapons for anyone at a polling place, is because I think that it could be mis-used to intimidate others and interfere with the democratic process.

I'm certain those who would attempt to intimidate others would surely otherwise follow the letter of the law.

Sam, what icon would you suggest to indicate dripping sarcasm?

 

[John Wayne]

I applaud the police officer for refusing to comply.

I applaud the individual who attempted to make the police officer comply with the same law that private citizens abide by. Maybe if more people did this, we wouldn't have so many dumb laws.

 

[bigfatdave]

Gun free zones are ALWAYS stupid unless there is actual security.

Citizens should be able to choose their armament level as they damn well please, and no, police don't get a special pass to carry where citizens can't.

What a load of authoritarian garbage, the problem is the GFZ, not the failure to let the man in the special outfit in with his big bad gun.

 

[Vyacheslav]

However, the reason I would prefer no weapons for anyone at a polling place, is because I think that it could be mis-used to intimidate others and interfere with the democratic process.

Those who go to a polling place to intimidate others generally aren't law abiding citizens so i wouldn't think making a polling place a gun free zone would do any good, and it may deter pro gun voters that are carrying, though that is a stretch

 

[Trumac]

I applaud the individual who attempted to make the police officer comply with the same law that private citizens abide by. Maybe if more people did this, we wouldn't have so many dumb laws.

It seems the individual attemped to make the officer comply with a law that didn't exist. I applaud the officer for not allowing himself to be bullied by someone who didn't understand the law.

Since Maine allows open carry, and there are no laws prohibiting anyone from carrying at the polls, it would appear that it is legal to carry openly at the polls. In at least the last three elctions I have carried concealed to the polls. I am considering carrying openly tomorrow. Keep in mind that there are certain buildings where Federal law prohibits the carrying of firearms, concealed or otherwise.

 

[Neverwinter]

I'm certain those who would attempt to intimidate others would surely otherwise follow the letter of the law.

Sam, what icon would you suggest to indicate dripping sarcasm?

The proper response is to allow voter intimidation because the people who would commit voter intimidation don't care about the law anyway.

 

[MightyTygart]

Quote, "I wonder if the election official would have gotten dismissed for turning away Joe Schmoe citizen?"

I seriously doubt it, maybe we should be thankful that this knucklehead was called out for his outrageous action. Some of you may think this isn't a big deal. However, I see it as anti-firearm fanatic trying to enforce some rule that does not coincide with the law. Am i wrong? I realize that I am assuming a stance for another man. For all i know he has a closet full of a hundred guns.

 

[gdesloge]

"I applaud the individual who attempted to make the police officer comply with the same law that private citizens abide by."

Actually, you are applauding a bureaucrat with more perceived authority than knowledge of the law. Or, worse yet, disdain for the law.

Shame on you.

gd

 

[rbernie]

Sadly, Texas also prohibits carryin' at a polling place. Y'all Texicans who're voting tomorrow ought not forget to leave your CCW in the car while voting.

 

[Snubshooter]

Makes one wonder what other left wing skullduggery this miscreant at the polls may have done. It reminds me of a Huntington Beach city council member who objected to another council member (who was a serving Investigator from our agency) being armed at council meetings. Said Investigator would not give in to lefty either.

 

[rfurtkamp]

From '04, the magazine has a few more stickers on it now.

 

[Speed Trap]

I'm voting tomorrow, on-duty and with a gun on my hip!!!!!

 

[stuckinsocal]

I agree with the supervisor, no weapons for anyone at a polling place IMO.



It doesn't disturb me one bit. A citizen cannot (and should not) attend a polling place armed, so why should a cop be any different.



This really doesn't worry me either. I'm OK with being without "protection" for a few minutes while I vote. Is someone is too afraid to go vote without armed escort, they can vote early from home with ten guns around them if they want to.

A person should not be able to exercise a Constitutionally protected right while exercising another Constitutionally protected right? Why? What he did was perfectly legal. Why should a polling place be any different than anywhere else you'd carry a gun? Carry it legally and mind your own business and if someone thinks you're intimidating him simply because you're carrying a gun, that's his fault, not yours.

 

[WC145]

I'm voting tomorrow, on-duty and with a gun on my hip!!!!!

I'll be voting today, off-duty and with a gun on my ankle!!
I think this case is ridiculous, I have yet to be denied access anywhere while in uniform. And I'd never give up my gun, either.

 

[bigfatdave]

A person should not be able to exercise a Constitutionally protected right while exercising another Constitutionally protected right?

One at a time!

 

[razorback2003]

I've carried a handgun while voting in Tennessee. There is no law against it. My gun is concealed. I don't know why people make a big deal about this.