The Polling Place Photo Project is a nationwide experiment in citizen journalism that encourages voters to capture, post and share photographs of this year’s primaries, caucuses and general election. By documenting local voting experiences, participants can contribute to an archive of photographs that captures the richness and complexity of voting in America.
How to Participate
We are looking to collect photographs of every polling place in America during the 2008 elections. You are welcome to participate no matter where you vote, how large or small your polling place is, what kind of ballot you use, or what your party affiliation is.
Here's how to participate:
1. Get ready.
Anyone can submit a photograph of the 2008 elections. Photography of polling places is governed by state and local law — there is no one answer for what is permissible. In our Resources Policy section, you can check with your local state election officials or find the hours of polling places by state.
2. Document democracy.
We are especially interested in photographs that document your voting experience, including what works and what could be improved. If you are wondering what to photograph, take a picture of that! We're looking of photos of interiors, exteriors and other views that are part of your voting experience. Obviously, you need to follow the rules at your local polling place, and you should be respectful of other citizens who may not wish to be photographed.
3. Post your photo.
With your submission of photographs, you will need to fill out some basic information: name and location of polling place, time, type of ballot, and so on. The form allows you to make comments on your experience as well as make suggestions for improvements. This information will be displayed with your photographs. Other guidelines include:
You may submit up to five photographs with a single submission.
If you wish to submit more than five photographs, please make a second submission (however, you should post your best and most documentary photographs).
Do not post old photographs of previous elections.
Photographs of polling places may be posted only from the United States as well as from international polling places that are specifically for the U.S. presidential election. U.S. citizens voting overseas may choose "International" in the State category.
4. See America's voting experience.
We expect new photos to be posted starting Tuesday, January 8, 2008. You'll be able to browse photos by location, type, tags, and more. (There are also photographs from the 2006 mid-term elections in the archive.)
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