To: Lori Scott, Supervisor Of Elections Brevard County FL
Defend Voting from Religious Extremism
We urge Lori Scott, Brevard County Supervisor of Elections to find an immediate alternative for polling places that feature discriminatory and religious language designed to influence voting during elections. We strongly object to the biased, politically-motivated displays of the staff of the Holy Name of Jesus Church currently serving as a designated polling place for Precincts 432, 508, 515 on their huge compound on Election Day.
Political messaging seen on these displays and signage on Election Day constitute "electioneering communications" and do not conform to the requirements laid out by the Florida Division of Elections. As churches are treated as "private property" conducting a "public service" during Election Day, messaging opposing the political signage of religious extremists is removed and the permanent, discriminatory messaging of the church remains. This is deeply unfair and violates the spirit of democracy and fair treatment.
We insist that the Supervisor of Elections consider the Constitutionally-guaranteed right to protection of First Amendment principles which afford us a broad protection of expression while preserving fair elections. Voters deserve polling places that provide fair access to all political committees, candidates, and organizations, NOT just those supported by one particular religious sect.
Political messaging seen on these displays and signage on Election Day constitute "electioneering communications" and do not conform to the requirements laid out by the Florida Division of Elections. As churches are treated as "private property" conducting a "public service" during Election Day, messaging opposing the political signage of religious extremists is removed and the permanent, discriminatory messaging of the church remains. This is deeply unfair and violates the spirit of democracy and fair treatment.
We insist that the Supervisor of Elections consider the Constitutionally-guaranteed right to protection of First Amendment principles which afford us a broad protection of expression while preserving fair elections. Voters deserve polling places that provide fair access to all political committees, candidates, and organizations, NOT just those supported by one particular religious sect.
Why is this important?
In 2008 for weeks preceding the election and on election day, Holy Name of Jesus displayed explicitly political anti-gay messages on their huge marquee as voters entered the compound to vote on Constitutional Amendment 2 banning same-sex marriage.
In 2012 for weeks preceding the election and on election day, Holy Name of Jesus displayed explicitly political anti-choice messages on their huge marquee as voters entered the compound to vote on Constitutional Amendment 6, also known as the Florida Abortion Amendment.
The Holy Name of Jesus "All life is Sacred, Born and Unborn" fetus monument qualifies as political speech, is within the 100 ft. campaign free zone, and therefore does not meet with standards written in law.
Holy Name of Jesus while voluntarily offering their private property to be utilized as a polling place selectively restricts private individuals,
candidates and organizations they don't agree with from setting up tables and signs on church property.
In exercising our fundamental right to vote, we deserve the chance to vote in a neutral setting that is welcoming to the entire community, NOT just those supported by one particular religious sect.
In 2012 for weeks preceding the election and on election day, Holy Name of Jesus displayed explicitly political anti-choice messages on their huge marquee as voters entered the compound to vote on Constitutional Amendment 6, also known as the Florida Abortion Amendment.
The Holy Name of Jesus "All life is Sacred, Born and Unborn" fetus monument qualifies as political speech, is within the 100 ft. campaign free zone, and therefore does not meet with standards written in law.
Holy Name of Jesus while voluntarily offering their private property to be utilized as a polling place selectively restricts private individuals,
candidates and organizations they don't agree with from setting up tables and signs on church property.
In exercising our fundamental right to vote, we deserve the chance to vote in a neutral setting that is welcoming to the entire community, NOT just those supported by one particular religious sect.