New Ky. electioneering rule approved ahead of primary

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky election officials have approved an emergency regulation banning electioneering within 100 feet of polling places.

The regulation approved by the State Board of Elections does not apply to private property.

Officials say the regulation is effective immediately, ahead of Kentucky’s May 19 primary election.

A state law that banned electioneering within 300 feet of a polling place was struck down by a federal judge. That ruling was upheld recently by a federal appeals court.

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes said Tuesday that a campaign-free zone around voting locations is needed to prevent voter intimidation and election fraud.

The regulation prohibits people from displaying signs, distributing campaign literature, soliciting signatures to any petition or soliciting votes within 100 feet of a polling place entrance.

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