California Counties' Polling‑Place Rules Limit Press Coverage, Media Groups Say

Overview

• A coalition of news outlets and the First Amendment Coalition has formally challenged Kern County’s media rules after the county barred filming within a large buffer around polling sites and ballot drop boxes.
• Kern revised its guidance after the first letter but added a rule barring cameras when a voter says they feel intimidated and a blanket 25‑foot rule for interviews that media groups say only applies to exit polling.
• Research by press‑rights advocates found at least nine other counties reiterating similar secretary‑of‑state guidance in their local rules, prompting broader concern about uneven policies across the state.
• The California Secretary of State’s office says it is seeking expert clarification, leaving the legal and constitutional questions unresolved just before Election Day.
• California law narrowly limits exit‑poll interviews and bans electioneering, and advocates warn broad county rules could chill journalists and bystanders from documenting lines, ballots and possible federal enforcement activity near polls.