Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Blackwell sued by news groups on exit polls; decision awaited
Enquirer staff report
A Columbus federal judge had not yet ruled after a Monday night hearing on a lawsuit filed by several national news organizations to allow them to conduct exit polls throughout the state today.
Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell has said anyone not directly involved in the election must stay 100 feet away from a polling place.
Half a dozen news groups - the Associated Press, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and Fox - sued Monday, saying Blackwell's ruling would hinder their ability to conduct exit polling. They said Blackwell told them in February they could conduct exit polls.
Blackwell said Monday that members of news media can still do such polling - just 100 feet from the polls.
As the state's chief elections officer, Blackwell said it's his job to maintain civility at the polls.
"We need some common sense injected back into the system. We are less than 15 hours from a major election and need to focus on helping our county boards of elections and poll workers, not bringing in more lawyers to argue more cases in federal court,'' he said in a written statement.
The news organizations have hired two companies to take exit polls at 50 locations in Ohio.
ELECTION 2004
•
Election 2004 section
•
Enquirer's 2004 election guide
Even rules go down to wire
Blackwell statement on challengers
Registered, but not voting?
What to watch for, hour by hour
Here's what is at stake at polls today
•
GALLERY: Monday's political photos
In Ohio, it's fight to the finish
•
Election essentials: Ohio
In Kentucky, a last burst of energy
• Election essentials: Kentucky
Candidates have all gone away (almost)
Blackwell sued by news groups on exit polls; decision awaited
Blackwell cleared for Issue 1 message
Students raise funds, vote in mock elections
Schools plan fast reaction to vote
EDITORIAL PAGE
Take the challenge, cast a vote
Our choices for today's elections
TOP HEADLINES
Advocate fights for veterans
Runway extension might ease noise problems
Injured motorist crawled through rain, darkness after flipping SUV
U.N. nuclear agency wants to see proof
Bin Laden goal: Bleed America into bankruptcy
Boy killed in porch roof collapse
Sex
offender arrested in Toledo
Local news briefs
Campbell eyes reimbursements
EDUCATION
Catholic school in talking stage
Students form Circle K chapter
NEIGHBORS
Residents to pay trash bill
Use front door at Lebanon precinct
LIVES REMEMBERED
Raymond Thunder-Sky was an artist
ENQUIRER COLUMNS
Bronson: Centenarian puts election in perspective
Reds medical director honored by Wittenberg
