City eyes restrictions for electioneering at the polls
Cape Coral is looking at municipal restrictions related to campaigning at poll sites within the city limits.
Draft language will be brought back to a future Cape Coral City Council workshop after Mayor John Gunter brought the issue forward Wednesday, saying residents felt “harassed” during the recent municipal election and that state restrictions which say campaigning cannot be done within 150 feet of the precinct entry point may not be enough.
“I almost think the polling station is a neutral zone,” Gunter said.
Council opinion went in both directions with some Council members supportive of being more restrictive and others stating the city should not become involved.
Councilmember Rachel Kaduk said she was open to either side, as she did not do any campaigning at the polls.
Councilmembers Bill Steinke and Keith Long were in favor of hearing more ideas.
“I would have no problem in a restriction that allowed our voters to vote in peace,” he said.
Councilmember Joe Kilraine said it is vital to have access at the polls. He said bringing an exclusion zone at the polls favors candidates who have more financial capability.
“I think it is a basic right for a candidate to be able to communicate in that way. It’s important to manage the abusive actions as opposed to reframing from having that capability,” he said, adding he would not be in favor of changing anything.
Also against moving forward were Councilmembers Dr. Derrick Donnell and Laurie Lehmann.
“You can’t control what other people do,” Lehmann said. “There were a lot of instances of people jumping on cars and sticking heads in people’s cars. You can only control what you did. I’m not in favor of making it more restrictive.”
Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra said she is open to recommendations, as there should be a way to compromise.
“Grassroots is everywhere. It doesn’t need to be at the polling places. In favor of entertaining other solutions,” she said.
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