PSoTD

Just an open question about today's Pennsylvania government scaredycat move, whereby officials have decided not to publicize the list of polling places in Pennsylvania, supposedly due to concerns that terrorists could disrupt elections in the commonwealth:

What is the state's liability in situations where a private facility is used as a polling place? I vote in a church, and I know it's not state land, so what kind of arrangements are made between state and property owner to use the property? If an electronic voting machine somehow shorted and fried out the wiring of a building, is the state liable? If officials at the precinct accidentally start a fire with a space heater, is the state liable? What is the exposure of the state by using private property for elections?

I'm really just trying to figure out what is driving this Pennsylvania election decision, because it really makes no sense on the face of things.

This is ridiculous. Cowardly. Won't work. And it has to be an idea from lawyers having to do more with liability than anything else.

State officials have decided not to publicize their list of polling places in Pennsylvania, citing concerns that terrorists could disrupt elections in the commonwealth.

The Department of State made its decision as a result of terrorist bombings that occurred just days before Spain’s national elections in 2004, spokeswoman Leslie Amoros said. Election officials consulted with state police, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the state Office of Homeland Security.

“The agencies agreed it was appropriate not to release the statewide list to protect the public and the integrity of the voting process,” Amoros said.

Enjoy.

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