Jackson Walker Lawyers Offer Election Day Assistance to Reporters Covering Voting
First Amendment lawyers with Jackson Walker LLP are assisting the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press with challenges journalists may face at polling places on Election Day.
“There are very specific restrictions in all states regarding access to polling places, and some polling officials may overreach – beyond what the law allows – in trying to keep reporters away,” said Joshua Romero, one of the lawyers providing legal guidance.
“In Texas, a person may not use a cell phone, camera or other recording device within 100 feet of polling places. However, the Texas Secretary of State has adopted a policy of permitting ‘non-disruptive’ exit polling within the 100-foot protected area,” Romero said.
“Also, ballot selfies that include a photo of a voter or journalist with a completed ballot have been a hot topic at times,” he said. “All of these issues involve First Amendment rights that courts across the country have struggled to address.”
