Seperation of Church & State wrt Polling Places

[XPav]

I had to go to a different polling place yesterday (and wait in line -- I despise lines).

It was at a Mormon church, and its usually in a middle school. There was also a polling place in my catholic private high school.

Now, it really doesn't bother me, because its not like there are mormons next to the people in line praying for me to vote for someone and I know it must be hard for counties to find space for polling places, but I'm just wondering why I never hear about someone somewhere getting a hair up their ass and sueing someone.

[Robert Sharp]

Are you afraid the location might influence voters? Or is that what you think others might think? I'm not sure either way. I certainly believe in dividing church and state. In fact, I will start a topic on something interesting related to that. But I am not sure what people would have to complain about just because the polls are located at a church. I think they just try to use places that are public (i.e. not private work areas, which would have too much traffic on a Tuesday).

[XPav]

Are you afraid the location might influence voters? Or is that what you think others might think? I'm not sure either way. I certainly believe in dividing church and state. In fact, I will start a topic on something interesting related to that. But I am not sure what people would have to complain about just because the polls are located at a church. I think they just try to use places that are public (i.e. not private work areas, which would have too much traffic on a Tuesday).

Out of all the crazy people out there and the lawyers willing to represent them, I'm just wondering why none of these crazy people have gone "I'm voting in a church? That's a violation of the seperation of church and state!"

Has a case like this happened before or is it something we can expect the 9th Circuit to rule on the future? :lol:

[Robert Sharp]

Yeah, those people are idiots. They make atheists look bad.

[bmulligan]

Where's the ACLU when you really need them ?!!

[Jason McCullough]

Maybe they aren't quite so crazy if they haven't done it.

[milo]

I can't figure out what the basis for the suit would be. There's no government money being directed to a religious institution or being used to provide a service that gives preference to people of a specific religion. I suppose you could argue that people are being "exposed" to religious symbolism, but the same could be true in a person's home - heck it could be true in a courthouse if some bystander were to show up wearing a cross, a yarmulka, or a veil. What are the merits? How is the state either promoting or discriminating against a religious institution?

I guess it's a good thing I'm not a lawyer.

--milo
http://www.starshatter.com

[Lizard_King]

I guess it's a good thing I'm not a lawyer.

That's always a good thing. Independent of issues.

[wisefool]

A case someone should probably take a look at regarding separation of church and state. I'm surprised it does not seem to be more publicized, it seems to fragrant. Then again, the few leftists in the US have their hands full heh.

Medicare will pay a RNHCI (Religious Nonmedical Health Care Institution).
You check in, sign some papers, and they pray over you. Federal gov pays them.

Basically, if you are covered under medicare, and there is no law forcing you to obtain treatment (for example, you tried to commit suicide, and some state law requires patient to get treatment), then you qualify.

Google for RNHCI

[Edit: Just found out a few more details on the amount of money. The law allows a maximum of only $20 million. Last year it paid out around $8 million. Seems pocket change for the government, I guess it's the principle]

[Tim]

My usual polling place is in a Catholic church, right across the street from our house. I'm a devout atheist, but don't mind. I view it as a small repayment for their tax free special treatment, and there's usually no 'persuasion' that I would call inappropriate. And I would be one to notice, though I usually wouldn't complain. Plus, it's handy to be able to walk to vote, we have taken the kids to see what it's like and talk about how it works.

One year though the church had some signs out related to a particular voter issue. As we are right across the street from them, our yard is coveted territory for political signs so we are very aware of the regulations for them. A polling place is not supposed to have any political signs or other materials on their property the day of the vote.

My wife happened to disagree strongly with the church on this issue and shortly after midnight the signs were removed for their convenience.