Threatened at the poll this morning

[PennsyPlinker]

Today I voted early, as my daughter, who was able to vote for the first time wanted some company before she went to work. I have carried openly there for years without incident. When we arrived this morning, a man who I know by sight came up to me and identified himself as the judge or president of the election. I forget his title exactly. He was in charge as far as he was concerned.

Since it was only 24 deg out, I had a jacket on. He greeted me, patted his side, and told me he was glad I had my gun covered up. He went on to say that if there was a crowd, he would have required me as a courtesy to leave it out in my vehicle. I told him "Absolutely not!"

To make a long story a little shorter, he insisted he could require me to leave it outside, and told me he would call the constable. I said "Get him". He could not find him, but called some person on the phone who confirmed his erroneous opinion. He then threatened to take me to court. I responded that I would welcome the opportunity.

As a side note, this same man solicited me last year to work for him on his next campaign, noting the timbre of my very deep voice and its value in a radio setting. In light of that I informed him that not only would I gladly see him in court about carrying, but now that I knew his attitude, I would be sure to actively oppose him on any future endeavors in his running for any office.

On the way out I stopped to speak to a group of ladies. Two I know personally, and the third was Gary Day's wife. While I was relating the story he emerged from the building to try and change his position, denying that he ever told me he could force me to not carry. I reminded him of his exact words, and indicated my daughter, who witnessed the whole thing. I then reminded him that he was a politician, so I was not surprised at him changing his story almost immediately. I then repeated that I would carry my gun anywhere it was legal, and removed my coat right there on the spot. The ladies were enjoying this exchange immensely. At that point he rolled his eyes and retreated to his lair. I know there will be at least one other open carrier at this poll today. He has been alerted to my experience already.

ETA: For those of you not from around here, Gary Day is our state rep, and is very friendly to gun rights.

[ungawa]

Bravo.

Although I know better than to expect less.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to PennsyPlinker again.

[M&P Chris]

Awesome job! Bet it was cold without the jacket lol.

[Curmudgeon]

Bravo.

Although I know better than to expect less.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to PennsyPlinker again.

Got him.
.

[GunLawyer001]

I'd rep you for use of the word "lair", if I could.....

[4070BN]

I'd rep you for use of the word "lair", if I could.....

I got him for you...

[ChamberedRound]

Nice work Bill. Nice work

[thefirstndsecond]

Well done sir. I could not rep you either.

I always enjoy reading about your encounters because I know they are conducted in a gentlemanly fashion. I can visualize the encounter and laugh at the frustration of the opposition.

[SteveinNEPA]

WELL DONE SIR! I have given you rep for ME and for others who couldnt.

[afdcomposer]

Today I voted early, as my daughter, who was able to vote for the first time wanted some company before she went to work. I have carried openly there for years without incident. When we arrived this morning, a man who I know by sight came up to me and identified himself as the judge or president of the election. I forget his title exactly. He was in charge as far as he was concerned.

Since it was only 24 deg out, I had a jacket on. He greeted me, patted his side, and told me he was glad I had my gun covered up. He went on to say that if there was a crowd, he would have required me as a courtesy to leave it out in my vehicle. I told him "Absolutely not!"

To make a long story a little shorter, he insisted he could require me to leave it outside, and told me he would call the constable. I said "Get him". He could not find him, but called some person on the phone who confirmed his erroneous opinion. He then threatened to take me to court. I responded that I would welcome the opportunity.

As a side note, this same man solicited me last year to work for him on his next campaign, noting the timbre of my very deep voice and its value in a radio setting. In light of that I informed him that not only would I gladly see him in court about carrying, but now that I knew his attitude, I would be sure to actively oppose him on any future endeavors in his running for any office.

On the way out I stopped to speak to a group of ladies. Two I know personally, and the third was Gary Day's wife. While I was relating the story he emerged from the building to try and change his position, denying that he ever told me he could force me to not carry. I reminded him of his exact words, and indicated my daughter, who witnessed the whole thing. I then reminded him that he was a politician, so I was not surprised at him changing his story almost immediately. I then repeated that I would carry my gun anywhere it was legal, and removed my coat right there on the spot. The ladies were enjoying this exchange immensely. At that point he rolled his eyes and retreated to his lair. I know there will be at least one other open carrier at this poll today. He has been alerted to my experience already.

Nice work, man. I know it was frustrating for you, but honestly this just got better and better as the story went on.

"...removed my coat right there on the spot."

Cheers,
afd