This week, The State Press will tackle the local political candidates and ballot measures that Arizona residents will vote upon on Election Day, Nov. 8. Stay up to date with political guides and how-to's throughout the rest of the election season.
Many voters this election cycle have a clear idea of which candidate has their vote. However, other voters may not be as clear, or may not even know where they can vote, or what they are allowed to do at the polls.
Tempe students can vote at the University's very own polling station located at the Sun Devil Fitness Complex.
However, most polling stations correspond to voters' precinct, or first level of geographic representation. There are various online resources where voters can input their information and be matched with a polling location.
There are 724 precincts in Maricopa County, and each precinct has its own polling location, which are proposed by the County Recorder to the County Board of Supervisors. Places like schools, churches and other locations of public gathering can be polling stations.
But, your quest does not end once you head over to your appropriate polling station on the assigned day. There are certain protocols each voter must follow while voting, and the penalties for breaking these protocols can be severe.
To make voting as simple and hassle free as possible, here are five key things you should never do at the polls:
1. Do NOT openly show support for a candidate
Leave your Trump 2016 socks and "I'm with her" trucker hats at home when you go out to vote. Despite the inherently politicized nature of voting, voters are not allowed to electioneer, or openly show support for a candidate, within 75 feet of a polling station under a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
2. Do NOT take photographs or record video
Save your Snapchat story until after you leave the polls, unless you want to end up like Justin Timberlake.
It goes without saying that you should not take a photo of your ballot or inside the voting booth, but voters are also not allowed to take photos or record video within 75 feet of the polling place. Poll workers at the station are required to post signage indicating the 75 foot perimeter.
3. Do NOT be near a poll unless you are voting
If you are not voting, stay clear of polling stations. If you are caught trespassing within 75 feet of any polling station in Arizona and are not voting, you may also be charged with a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
4. Do NOT use your cell phone
Although voting can be exciting, especially if it is your first election, voters must avoid calling grandma until they have left the polling station. Although not every station and state has a strict "no cell phone" policy, poll workers will likely tell you to put your phone away.
5. Do NOT bring a gun
Surprisingly, Arizona voters are not allowed to bring firearms when going to vote according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. This policy includes concealed carry. Arizona is only one of six states to outright ban firearms at polling stations.
Reach the reporter at Garrison.Murphy@asu.edu or follow @Garrison_Murphy on Twitter.
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