Thundar
Regular Member
imported post
My polling place is a church. The polling is done in a large community room, which reminds me of a cafeteria. To access the polling place you must enter via the front entrance. Inside the entrance is the alcove. To theleft is the community room to vote. To theright is the main worship center. Last election the door to the worship center was open and it appeared that there were people inside praying. There was nobody at the altar/ tabernacle or speaking, just a few people in pews on their knees.
I live in VA Senate 14District and would like to open carry while I vote for Dr. Tabor. My motive is to make a political statement.Dr Taboris a strong proponent of our 2A rights.
When I read the law I am not sure if it is legal or not:
§ 18.2-283. Carrying dangerous weapon to place of religious worship.
If any person carry any gun, pistol, bowie knife, dagger or other dangerous weapon, without good and sufficient reason, to a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held at such place he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
The issues:
Clearly there will not be a religious meeting at the polling place.
The polling place is part of a place of religious service.
The unorganized prayer may or may not be a religious service. (Door open so people can go inside and prey.)
Good and sufficient cause is not well defined and can only be determined if charges are pressed against me.
Trespass is not an issue as long as I go only to the polling place.
I have already asked a lawyer. His advice: It is a grey area. Since I am making a political statement, tell police what you are doing before you do it. Expect to get a summons. Expect to have a hard time in General District Court and have to appeal to Circuit Court where a jury trial will be risky. -
What do you think about open carry to vote? and do you think it is worth the risk?
My polling place is a church. The polling is done in a large community room, which reminds me of a cafeteria. To access the polling place you must enter via the front entrance. Inside the entrance is the alcove. To theleft is the community room to vote. To theright is the main worship center. Last election the door to the worship center was open and it appeared that there were people inside praying. There was nobody at the altar/ tabernacle or speaking, just a few people in pews on their knees.
I live in VA Senate 14District and would like to open carry while I vote for Dr. Tabor. My motive is to make a political statement.Dr Taboris a strong proponent of our 2A rights.
When I read the law I am not sure if it is legal or not:
§ 18.2-283. Carrying dangerous weapon to place of religious worship.
If any person carry any gun, pistol, bowie knife, dagger or other dangerous weapon, without good and sufficient reason, to a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held at such place he shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
The issues:
Clearly there will not be a religious meeting at the polling place.
The polling place is part of a place of religious service.
The unorganized prayer may or may not be a religious service. (Door open so people can go inside and prey.)
Good and sufficient cause is not well defined and can only be determined if charges are pressed against me.
Trespass is not an issue as long as I go only to the polling place.
I have already asked a lawyer. His advice: It is a grey area. Since I am making a political statement, tell police what you are doing before you do it. Expect to get a summons. Expect to have a hard time in General District Court and have to appeal to Circuit Court where a jury trial will be risky. -
What do you think about open carry to vote? and do you think it is worth the risk?
