Hassled by candidates running for office?
By prospectboy
@prospectboy (754)
United States
October 24, 2012 2:41pm CST
I went to vote earlier for early voting, and I got bombarded by several candidates running for local offices. As soon as I stepped out of the car, several of them came up to me asking for their vote, and handing me their cards. Now I personally don't mind talking to or meeting people running for a position, but the way that they aggressively pursued me asking for my vote was a turn off. Have any of you experienced this?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@stealthy (8181)
• United States
24 Oct 12
I thought all states had rules about campaigning within a certain distance from the polls. Did you have to park really far away or were they breaking the rules? I voted early yesterday and even the campaign signs were not close to were I parked which admittedly was fairly close to the door. I had no problem with candidates or their representatives when I went to vote. My problem was that we have paper ballots and it was very long with two sides what with all the candidates and the bond issues and the state constitution amendments and the booth table was low which required you to bend over to fill in the ovals with a pen and I have been having back problems so my back really starting hurting long before I had finished filling in the ballot.
@prospectboy (754)
• United States
30 Oct 12
Hello stealthy. How are you? They were campaigning in the parking lot of the polling place. I would say it was maybe 20 yards away from the door of the polling place. Do you know what is the exact distance that candidates need to stay away from the polls? I personally didn't have a problem with the candidates themselves. They were all very nice, and one of them running for judge is my classmate. However, I just found it kinda annoying how they bombarded me once I got out of the car. It was like they were eyeing me as soon as I drove up. I hope that your back is feeling better by now. Thanks for commenting :)
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
24 Oct 12
I had a congressional candidate come to my door to share information and ask for my vote, but that's all. He was polite and friendly and I liked that he was going with the old fashioned method of meeting people personally. That said, I don't think I'll vote for him because we differ on many political issues. My wife even told him we'll probably be leaving this state soon because the taxes here make it unlivable for us.
1 person likes this
@prospectboy (754)
• United States
30 Oct 12
Hi Taskr36. Now I personally don't see anything wrong with what your congressional candidate done. I wouldn't have had a problem with the candidates when I voted, but it was like three of them coming up to me as soon as I pulled up. It was just a bit overwhelming, and seemed desperate. I hope things work out for you and your wife if you decide to move. Thanks for your feedback sir!
@bestboy19 (5478)
• United States
26 Oct 12
Our local candidates or their representatives have to stay a certain distance from those coming to the polls to vote.
@prospectboy (754)
• United States
30 Oct 12
Hi bestboy19. I would estimate that they candidates and their representatives were maybe 20 yards from the polling place. I don't know what the distance is when it comes to rules, but I just found the process annoying with all of them coming up to me at once. Thanks for your feedback.
@koopharper (7500)
• Canada
25 Oct 12
That would have really turned me off to. I do appreciate meeting candidates but not when I'm on my way to the poll. They had a whole campaign to visit and talk about issues with me. I've been impressed with some candidates when I personally met them. I had others turn me off. I like a candidate with good ideas and at least appears to be listening. Most don't do well on either count.
@prospectboy (754)
• United States
30 Oct 12
Hey there koopharper. How is it going? I'm like you, I appreciate meeting them because it makes me feel like they value my vote. It would have been better if several of them hadn't just come up to me all at once. That was the biggest turnoff. Thanks a lot for your feedback!
@subhojit10 (7375)
• India
24 Oct 12
Thanks a ton for sharing this discussion. Well yes u are very much correct, it is totally undesirable to see aspirant candidates running up to u and begging for votes. It is so embarrassing to see how u are being mishandled by them when so many of them attack u at the same time to vote for them. i find no logic in this type of campaign before the official elections.
What say?
1 person likes this
@prospectboy (754)
• United States
30 Oct 12
Hello, how are you? I agree with you that it's somewhat embarrassing begging for votes in this manner. I found it to be a turnoff, especially since most of them would probably ignore me once they get into office. I'm with you all the way on the points you made. Thanks for your feedback.
