Aside from the fact that handing out water and snacks to people standing in line for hours waiting to vote is an act of kindness, there's this pesky thing called the First Amendment.
What you're suggesting would clearly violate that Amendment and would immediately be struck down by the courts. The only place you can legally prevent anyone from discussing the election - or trying to sway someone's opinion about it - is inside the polling place itself. That's why there are signs at or near the door that say "No electioneering beyond this point".
You may not like the fact that some people offer rides to the poll for voters, or offer them food and drink while they stand in a long line - I get that and I understand what you're saying. But the fact is, that's considered protected speech.
But assuming whoever wrote this bill would be foolish enough to use those arguments to justify their position, they would then have to ban the following:
- Radio and TV ads.
- Social media ads.
- Political mailings.
- Political phone calls and text messages.
- Yard signs.
- Political banners and flags.
- Political rallies and speeches.
- Your Uncle Harry, who likes to argue about politics at the Thanksgiving dinner table.
- This forum.
Be careful what you ask for...
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