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Get out (and photograph) the vote!

It’s primary day here in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. I just got back from the polls a few minutes ago and, of course, I took my camera so I could participate in the Polling Place Photo Project. If you haven’t voted yet, please plan on taking your camera with you to the polls. However, please be sure to check the rules of your state or local board of elections regarding photography. In my experience, most states will allow you to take your photos in the polling place as long as you’re not interfering with the voters or compromising the confidentiality of the ballots. Also, when you show up, don’t just start snapping pictures. Find the chief election officer and let them know what you’d like to do and ask their permission as well. They are ultimately responsible for managing the election in each precinct and you should allow them to make the final decision. And, while you’re talking to them, be sure to thank them for working the polls! As a former election officer in Virginia, I can tell you that election day is very long for these folks and they will truly appreciate your gratitude.

Oh yeah, and vote!

A few shots below… I wasn’t planning on doing any HDR shots but, once I saw the polling place, it seemed perfect for HDR.

Click on each photo for a larger version.

More photos, including two nice HDR shots, after the jump…

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Tags: citizen, election, hdr, journalism, polling-place, primary, vote

Picture the vote!

If you live in the United States, you probably know that today is “Super Tuesday“, where 24 states are holding a primary or caucus to select each party’s nominee for the Presidential election in November. But did you know that you can photograph the event, as well?

“The Polling Place Photo Project is a nationwide experiment in citizen journalism that encourages voters to capture, post and share photographs of this year’s primaries, caucuses and general election. By documenting local voting experiences, participants can contribute to an archive of photographs that captures the richness and complexity of voting in America.” (link)

The project is run every election season by The New York Times. You can upload and browse all photographs here.

To my knowledge, most, if not all, states will allow you to take photos at the polls, but be sure to check your state’s election website to be sure. And, as a former election officer, be sure to introduce and explain yourself to the poll workers before you start snapping photos.

Oh yeah, and don’t forget to vote while you’re there!

Tags: citizen, journalism, polling-place, primary, project, vote