Hassled at the polls for OCing

[gnbrotz]

Originally Posted by Emptymag

gnbrotz,
You are my hero.
(Gimme a minute and I'll update my sig line)

Wow! Even if I end up being dragged to jail, now it will be worth it.

Originally Posted by Emptymag

You didn't mention your wife... was she with you?
I hope she can respect you for standing up for what is right.

No, she wasn't with me. Because of our work schedules we rarely go to the polls together, though even if that wasn't the case, I wouldn't have involved her in the situation. She understands and (verbally) supports my rights, but isn't to the point where she'd take action herself. She does respect me for standing up for what I believe in, though I know she wishes I wouldn't try to 'stand so tall'.

Originally Posted by cz_40p

By the way constable elections are coming up again in 2008 or 09. The office is for six years. Why don't you run against this buffoon. It won't take many votes to get his position. Then you can work the polls the "right" way.

Interesting suggestion. I'm not sure I'd make enough to give up my full time job, and based on this article, I'm not really attracted to the schedule and duties. I simply want to NOT be hassled when I'm not breaking the law.

Originally Posted by Emptymag

How about the man in your sig line?

Done.

Originally Posted by Emptymag

gnbrotz, If you don't mind me asking, what were the reactions of the poll workers/others?

My polling place is a Ruritan building, with poll workers consisting of older gentlemen, who are Ruritan members. None of them seemed alarmed or upset, though when I came back in the second time (and voted), the Constable was discussing the situation with the judge of elections for that polling place. No one except the Constable gave me any resistance, and I was cheerfully 'helped' to make sure my two ballots were inserted individually so that they would both be counted. There may have been one or two citizens in the booths, and one or two who came through during the time I was there, and none of them ran away screaming because they were too afraid to vote in the presence of my pistol.

Thank you to everyone for your support. When I get a few more things in order, I'll post some contact info here so that anyone else who wishes to write or call can do so.

It pisses me off that someone is shamed and made to feel guilty for no reason. So much for "I recognize my duty to protect the constitutional rights of all people." as found in The Constable's Code of Ethics (published by the PA State Constable Association).

[RocketFoot]

Good job! I'll admit that I sometimes don't have the kuhuna's to open carry in situations like that and I certainly commend those of you like yourself that do! Thank You!

[JayBell]

one thing to note...was he wearing a uniform, or did he have a contables badge?

theres a big differnce between "Constable of Elections" and "PA Constable"

Constable of elections is merely pseudo LE at the polls, making sure folks keep the peace, dont intimidate voters, dont harass or block voters, and to keep unauthorized people and election ad materials outside the polling place.

the REAL constable is in charge of the "Constable for Elections".

find out if hes "Constable for Elections", if so, have a talk with the actual Constable for your area about his behavior.

[ChamberedRound]

Bravo, gnbrotz, rep points from me. I'd give you more if I could.

[Rule10b5]

Originally Posted by cz_40p

Quite frankly the office needs to be abolished in PA.

Great, so who's going to serve process for me (on the rare occasion that I decide to slum it in state court)?

[DaveM55]

Big brass ones...way to go!!!

[ExCopInPhilly]

Great job on defending all of our rights. Thanks!

[PAhunter]

Originally Posted by JayBell

one thing to note...was he wearing a uniform, or did he have a contables badge?

theres a big differnce between "Constable of Elections" and "PA Constable"

Constable of elections is merely pseudo LE at the polls, making sure folks keep the peace, dont intimidate voters, dont harass or block voters, and to keep unauthorized people and election ad materials outside the polling place.

the REAL constable is in charge of the "Constable for Elections".

find out if hes "Constable for Elections", if so, have a talk with the actual Constable for your area about his behavior.

Fortunately I saw this post before I replied. This would be my question/advice as well.

Jack

[stevieb92]

Simply well done!!! Keep the pressure on and keep us posted!!!

[mikepro8]

Originally Posted by gnbrotz

I actually tried to call my Rep's office before e-mailing him, since I know he's in the office late, but wasn't surprised that no one answered. I did get a response from him just 15 mins. after I sent the e-mail saying that he will look into it and get back to me asap. We'll see what actually happens, but IMO, a prompt response is a good start.

I sent an e-mail to Kim Stolfer, and have a call in to the President of the PA State Constable Association. Also on my list are the county election board and county commissioners. Anyone else I'm missing?

Call your county Court Administrator as well. They oversee the District Justices, with whom the constables are usually (sub)contracted with.