There is almost no doubt whatsoever that the 2022 midterm elections are the most hotly-contested “off-year” elections in American history, and we haven’t yet arrived at the main event.
The situation is so tense, so fraught with potential trouble, that ordinary Americans have been compelled to get involved in the electoral process. Some have become poll workers, others have jumped in to canvas for candidates. Heck, some have been volunteered their time to guard over otherwise-unattended ballot drop boxes.
But that last practice has come under scrutiny of late, and a federal judge is making some serious changes to the way in which such groups can operate.
A federal judge in Phoenix issued a restraining order Tuesday night against a group that has been photographing and recording voters casting ballots at drop boxes in Arizona.
The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Michael Liburdi, prohibits Clean Elections USA from “openly” carrying weapons or “visibly wear body armor” within 250 feet of drop boxes. Liburdi’s order also bars the group’s members from taking photos, recording, following or yelling at voters within 75 feet of drop box locations.
But wait; there’s more:
Furthermore, he told the group’s founder, Melody Jennings, to post a message to her account on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump’s social media platform, that reads in part: “It is not always illegal to deposit multiple ballots in a ballot drop box. It is legal to deposit the ballot of a family member, household member, or person for whom you are the caregiver.”
Those opposed to the ruling have complained that impeding the ballot-watchers tramples their First Amendment rights.
