http://nj.gov/state/elections/2012-results/signed-directive-hurricane-sandy-110212.pdf
Directive easing restrictions on voters issued by NJ
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/n-j-news-media-rebuffed-in-bid-to-lift-exit-polling-limits
PRESS NEWS
N.J. news media rebuffed in bid to lift exit-polling limits
ASSOCIATED PRESS
WIRE REPORT
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
TRENTON, N.J. — A federal judge in New Jersey has denied an attempt by more than 100 daily and weekly newspapers to get access to voters as they leave polling places.
The suit was filed by the New Jersey Press Association and challenged a state directive that prohibits journalists from coming within 100 feet of a polling place.
The plaintiffs had argued that the restriction infringed on the newspapers’ First Amendment rights and hampered their ability to report on the election.
U.S. District Judge Joel Pisano sided with lawyers for the state who contended the case was about “keeping polling places and the citizens who vote there undisturbed” and that allowing the media closer access would create “chaos and commotion.”
The Star-Ledger of Newark reported that “in 2007, the state Attorney General’s Office issued a directive, which was later upheld by the state Supreme Court, banning the media from conducting interviews or exit polling within 100 feet of a polling place.”
In 2009, U.S. District Judge Peter Sheridan suspended the state high court’s ruling for that November’s election, allowing reporters to approach voters within the 100-foot limit to conduct exit polling.
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