Voting in a church or religious facility

Agree - Kids are grown now but I remember dreading election days

This is weird...I don't remember them ever closing school for elections. We would have a hard time finding parking and just hope we didn't get in the line for lunch. Sounds dangerous to me now to have all matter of folks on campus.

This is weird...I don't remember them ever closing school for elections. We would have a hard time finding parking and just hope we didn't get in the line for lunch. Sounds dangerous to me now to have all matter of folks on campus.

My kids went to a private Christian school that was using a church for class room space. On election days the church was used as a place to vote so classes were cancelled.

This is weird...I don't remember them ever closing school for elections. We would have a hard time finding parking and just hope we didn't get in the line for lunch. Sounds dangerous to me now to have all matter of folks on campus.

That is why classes were canceled- too much chaos.

Sounds dangerous to me now to have all matter of folks on campus.

but that was before internet bulletin boards and gangs of crazed housekeepers in san destin selling drugs. a much simpler time.

I remember my mom taking us with her to vote for nixon, at a school up the street.

but that was before internet bulletin boards and gangs of crazed housekeepers in san destin selling drugs. a much simpler time.

I remember my mom taking us with her to vote for nixon, at a school up the street.

True.

We used to go with my mom too! We voted at our school for years, then in later years we voted at the firehouse. It was a big social event all day- people stayed for hours visiting. I loved watching my mom vote!

There was a blurb in the NWFDN about voting on church property the other day. Pat Holleran (Okaloosa supervisor of elections) said that they ended up at so many churches because polling sites have to comply with ADA rules regarding accessability, restrooms, etc. and other rules about ballot security and that in many areas, the church hall or family life center ends up being the only space available that fits those guidelines for acceptable poll sites.

As long as any religous items are removed from or covered in the rooms where the public goes to vote, then I don't see a problem with it, and I'm about as big on church & state seperation as you can get.

There was a blurb in the NWFDN about voting on church property the other day. Pat Holleran (Okaloosa supervisor of elections) said that they ended up at so many churches because polling sites have to comply with ADA rules regarding accessability, restrooms, etc. and other rules about ballot security and that in many areas, the church hall or family life center ends up being the only space available that fits those guidelines for acceptable poll sites.

As long as any religous items are removed from or covered in the rooms where the public goes to vote, then I don't see a problem with it, and I'm about as big on church & state seperation as you can get.

excellent info BM, thanks.

for years we voted at the Methodist Church in Pt Washington. and it was such a feeling of community to go there and see your neighbors and folks from your area. the church is a community place. I am thankful that they open their doors to do a community service for us all.

I don't see how voting in a church's rec facility can be harmful to anyone.

now our polling place is at Christian International. It isn't as convenient for us, but they have a nice big room and the people working the polls were very gracious. I am thankful to that church as well for providing such a wonderful community service.

I am without words on this one. And that, my friend, is a feat. Just ask ShallowsNole. You are to be congratulated.

Yeah it is.

I haven't even read to the end of this thread yet (gotta work in about two minutes) BUT the Pt Washington precinct used to vote at Bay Elementary. The problem with that is (1) major disruption of the school day, especially when the line to vote runs down the hall, and more importantly (2) enabling every Tom, Dick and Harry that is registered to vote (and possibly some who are not) into an elementary school.

Now, back to my soapbox...since Rosemary Beach now has its own precinct, #15 needs to be moved back to Pt Washington United Methodist. We are even building an 18,000 sq ft humongus Family Life Center that would be perfect for this.

ShallowsNole, you bring up a good point. Registered sex offenders are not allowed in schools which are operating.

You know, with all the flaws, likes and dislikes, inconveniences, etc, this is still the best system on this globe.

I remember the fire station, school, church etc voting places. They all have their plusses and minuses as do all of the various voting methods.

Still, pretty damn good IMHO

Wouldn't many sex offenders already be ineligible because they are felons?

I think it's weird to vote in a church, especially considering the political involvement level of some churches. I can understand that it's necessary due to the issues of accessibility/numbers, but find it hard to believe that there are no non secular ADA accessible meeting spaces in Sowal.

I always vote early at the annex - no lines, no church, very convenient!

but that was before internet bulletin boards and gangs of crazed housekeepers in san destin selling drugs. a much simpler time.

I remember my mom taking us with her to vote for nixon, at a school up the street.

heheheh John R.....I got it!

Wouldn't many sex offenders already be ineligible because they are felons?

Not sure of the current status of Felons rights, but the legislature has been working to restore some privileges of Felons, such as voting.

Yeah it is.

I haven't even read to the end of this thread yet (gotta work in about two minutes) BUT the Pt Washington precinct used to vote at Bay Elementary. The problem with that is (1) major disruption of the school day, especially when the line to vote runs down the hall, and more importantly (2) enabling every Tom, Dick and Harry that is registered to vote (and possibly some who are not) into an elementary school.

It's not just the sex offenders, it's anyone else. Five years ago I only played the piano for one show at a local school, and I had to be fingerprinted, background-checked and urine-tested just to walk in. When I have done classroom observations, I have been photographed and ID'd.

It's sad that we have to do this at schools, but it also keeps the students safe. It's a little bit scary that they let the general population in schools OR churches these days. I wonder how long it will be before technology eliminates the need to go "out" and vote altogether?

NoHall, that is right up the alley of what the gov't would like, every voter getting thoroughly screened and fingerprinted, along with dna samples.

I'm struck by your comment that it is scary that churches allow the general population into their places of worship. I thought one of the goals of churches was to do just that, get the general population to pass through their doors.

I wonder how long it will be before technology eliminates the need to go "out" and vote altogether?[/quote]

I think when boomers like myself "move on" ot out of the way that the twenty somethings of today will be voting on line by the time they are 40.

They will possibly be voting in the special "voting" check out lane at Publix or Walmart? Cash Back? Yes or No. Vote on on Amendment # 1? Yes or No.

NoHall, that is right up the alley of what the gov't would like, every voter getting thoroughly screened and fingerprinted, along with dna samples.

That's not exactly what I said, troublemaker.

I don't have a problem with people who are in the halls of a school being screened, fingerprinted, etc. I suggested that I hope we can vote from home.

I'm struck by your comment that it is scary that churches allow the general population into their places of worship. I thought one of the goals of churches was to do just that, get the general population to pass through their doors.

...but I DID say that, and now I'm kind of surprised I said it! Good point.
The thought in the front of my mind when I posted that was that schools and churches seem to be the best place to get shot lately.

Yeah it is.

I haven't even read to the end of this thread yet (gotta work in about two minutes) BUT the Pt Washington precinct used to vote at Bay Elementary. The problem with that is (1) major disruption of the school day, especially when the line to vote runs down the hall, and more importantly (2) enabling every Tom, Dick and Harry that is registered to vote (and possibly some who are not) into an elementary school.

Now, back to my soapbox...since Rosemary Beach now has its own precinct, #15 needs to be moved back to Pt Washington United Methodist. We are even building an 18,000 sq ft humongus Family Life Center that would be perfect for this.

excellent points shallows. i loved voting in pt wash. hope it returns.

Wouldn't many sex offenders already be ineligible because they are felons?

I think it's weird to vote in a church, especially considering the political involvement level of some churches. I can understand that it's necessary due to the issues of accessibility/numbers, but find it hard to believe that there are no non secular ADA accessible meeting spaces in Sowal.

I always vote early at the annex - no lines, no church, very convenient!

as many times as i've voted here in pt wash (meth church), it has always been just a voting center on that day - its in their rec room - nice and plenty of room, and there is nothing churchy about it. certainly no one trying to save me or make me get born all over again.

maybe I am comfy with it because I've lived here so long, and love how that church has such open door policy for all community members no matter your religious affiliation. I do not attend services there, but every body and their sister does! I'm thankful to have such places in our community. they do a great service to us all.

NoHall, I must have missed the news of people getting shot in churches. That is kind of messed up, as much as it is when it happens in schools.

NoHall, I must have missed the news of people getting shot in churches. That is kind of messed up, as much as it is when it happens in schools.

It wasn't too long ago..

December, then another one a few years ago.

(I googled church shootings, and then took out the words "colorado" and "wisconsin" to get the other articles. Look at how many other incidents I found --> click )

excellent info BM, thanks.

for years we voted at the Methodist Church in Pt Washington. and it was such a feeling of community to go there and see your neighbors and folks from your area. the church is a community place. I am thankful that they open their doors to do a community service for us all.

I don't see how voting in a church's rec facility can be harmful to anyone.

now our polling place is at Christian International. It isn't as convenient for us, but they have a nice big room and the people working the polls were very gracious. I am thankful to that church as well for providing such a wonderful community service.

I would hope most people feel this way. My office at church is the one closest to the "polls" which is our old chapel. No one covers anything and I don't think we would dream of ever covering up the cross for any reason. The people that come in and vote are in and out so quickly they probably don't even notice. We have 2 really sweet secretaries that always bake cookies for the voters. The church and the girls are not required to do this. They have to deal with a steady stream of people all day, make signs, and monitor the building. It also houses a school. It's not always a fun day.They offer a public service. Beachmouse was right on with the more stringent requirements of polling places.

I vote in a nearby school and my son's school serves as a polling facility also. We have never cancelled school on this day but I always thought they should. Like NoHall mentioned, at our school to volunteer you are fingerprinted, background checked and ID'd practically to just walk in the door. And then one day a year they allow anyone to walk in? It is a certain door and area of the building but you don't walk through a metal detector or anything. No way is it truly safe for a our kids.

I'm struck by your comment that it is scary that churches allow the general population into their places of worship. I thought one of the goals of churches was to do just that, get the general population to pass through their doors.

It's true, churches (or houses of worship, et al) do want people to visit, share fellowship, learn, & even join. They honestly want to help. But it's also supposed to be a safe haven. Especially if there is a M-F school attached. Then there's Sunday school, evening activities. The list goes on.

At our church it's the same as others have mentioned here. EVERY volunteer (& they are church members) are fingerprinted, background checked, etc. This is now standard in our annual budget. The safety of our congregations children (& this includes teens) is of the utmost importance. It has taken a priority over the last 4 - 5 years.

Gone are the days of people in need walking in off the street to quietly pray in the sanctuary. It hurts to turn them away when they are in pain - it's in total conflict of what a church stands for in the community.

.

Imagine all the energy and time saved if we all voted absentee ballot.

It's true, churches (or houses of worship, et al) do want people to visit, share fellowship, learn, & even join. They honestly want to help. But it's also supposed to be a safe haven. Especially if there is a M-F school attached. Then there's Sunday school, evening activities. The list goes on.

At our church it's the same as others have mentioned here. EVERY volunteer (& they are church members) are fingerprinted, background checked, etc. This is now standard in our annual budget. The safety of our congregations children (& this includes teens) is of the utmost importance. It has taken a priority over the last 4 - 5 years.

Gone are the days of people in need walking in off the street to quietly pray in the sanctuary. It hurts to turn them away when they are in pain - it's in total conflict of what a church stands for in the community.

.

The thought just occurred to me -- In Jesus' eyes, we are all sinners, so the Churches are always filled with sinners. What's the big deal if one or two sinners decide to conduct their sins in Church? Wouldn't they just be one step closer to getting help?

(Removing tongue from cheek, now.)