Registering ppl to vote outside of F911 showings

[Mr Switters]

Ok, so we want to "get out the vote in Tenn?" Ever feel like a fish out of water when you want to register fellow democrats or those likely to support the ouster of Bush? Well....

I would suggest that across this great state we have volunteers setup tables or stations outside of the theaters showing F911 to register people to vote. Those leaving the theater should at least be a little fired up to "take action" against the Bush Administration. What better time and place to register likely democratic voters (if they already aren't registered).

However, I would suggest this be done with NO partisan trappings. This would afford you some protection should you be hassled or higgled by passerby's or possibly local law enforcement. Do NOT wear or distribute Kerry campaign literature. I think it's a pretty safe assumption that you are signing up like minded individuals, so there's no reason to "push."

Calling the theater ahead of time to ask permission would be advisable. I'm sure that if you explained you would not be campaigning or promoting any particular candidate the management of the theater will be a little more understanding. Most F911 showings are taking place at the "art house" theaters in the major cities (like the Downtown West venue in Knoxville which traditionally shows independent films). The management and employees at these particular venues tend to be more open-minded and I'm sure would be willing to allow you the chance to register voters as long as you didn't cause a disturbance.

What do you think? Great idea, or just flight of fancy? I was actually surprised NOT to see people registering others to vote outside the F911 showing here in Knoxville. As a result I'll be calling the management this week to ask permission and spend a good deal of my evening and weekend free time down at the theater getting people on board (if allowed).

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. I'm not sure why this HASN'T happened yet

It seems like a no-brainer to have someone standing outside doing SOMETHING to bring people in outside! Hell, the DNC should station people outside to take donations right after the movie.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. Welcome to DU!!

We're glad to have you onboard!!! :grouphug: :yourock: :toast:

[drthais]

3. oh but it HAS been done

and IS being done
and people are being run off too - and arrested in one case
for REGISTERING PEOPLE TO VOTE!
(at F911 showings)

so I say yes yes
go to it

how provocative
that registering people to vote
has become a contentious issue in this society!!

[Mr Switters]

4. Do you have links to reports...

Do you have any information linking to reports about problems people encountered when trying to register people to vote. Being informed about the protections you may have while doing this could be helpful to those willing to take the risk to get folks registered.

One of the theaters showing F911 in Knoxville has it's ticketing window and entrance right on next to the sidewalk (unlike many other large movie houses which are surrounded by acres of parking lots). I wonder if being on public property, with no partisan agenda (other than a sign saying "register to vote") would be a violation of any enforceable law?

They are scared... very scared...

[Freddie Stubbs]

6. A woman was arrested in Pennsylvania

The movie theatre had a policy against soliciting on their property (many businesses do) and she was in their parking lot. No one has been arrested for registering voters on public property, so you are safe if you are on a public sidewalk.

[Claire Beth]

5. I understood that it was being done already....

is it not?