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Elizabeth Stewart asks Limestone County Commission to clarify probate memo that appeared to restrict campaign signs
Summary
At the June 2 work session, Elizabeth Stewart told the Limestone County Commission a probate judgenotice circulated before May elections listed precincts that would not allow campaign signs or canvassers, affecting many polling locations; she asked the county to confirm whether any local ordinance supersedes state law and requested a prompt response before upcoming runoffs.
Elizabeth Stewart asked the Limestone County Commission at its June 2 work session to clarify a notice she said the Limestone County probate judge distributed before the May election that appeared to prohibit campaign signs and canvassers at many precincts.
Stewart said the memo listed more than 75% of precincts on a list that included county-owned properties and churches the state recognizes as voting locations. "You cannot make public property private property unless there has been government ordinances locally that supersede state law," she told the commission, and said she had consulted an attorney for clarification. She added that the Alabama state rule she consulted allows campaign signs and for canvassers to stand at least 30 feet from the voting location.
Stewart told commissioners she had received inconsistent responses from churches and other entities named on the list; some reported being privately contacted by the probate judge and asked to serve as polling places, others said they were unaware their names were listed. She said the chief counsel for the Alabama secretary of stateoffice told her no other county had circulated a memo to the same degree and urged the commission to clarify the county's position before runoffs on June 16.
The commission chair replied that he was not aware of any county ordinance that would ban signs and asked staff (Drew) to check and get back to Stewart. "Just make sure to get a response as quick as we can," the chair said.
Why it matters: Restrictions or unclear guidance about activity near polling places can affect voters, campaigns and volunteers in upcoming runoffs. Stewart asked for a prompt clarification so election workers and voters can act in accordance with the law.
What happens next: The chair asked staff to follow up with the probate judge and report back; commissioners recorded the request for follow-up in the meeting record.
