imported post
I couldn't vote today, because I'm not party affiliated, but I still found my way to be at or very near a polling place while armed three different times today.
1. Took a quick swing through the parking lot of my own polling place right at 7:00 am to see if there were any obvious signs barring firearms (The former Sheriff that revoked my LTCF suggested doing this to prevent me from carrying in the future). I have already made it clear via newspaper articles and letters directly to the Franklin County Commissioners that they have no authority in this matter. Nothing visible from the car, and I didn't have time to spare, so off to work.
2. Stopped by a rural post office that occupies part of a church fellowship/community building. Oh...it's a polling place too. Parked off of the property and left my firearm in the car while I made a quick trip inside the post office.
3. After work, I had more time to investigate all of the miscellaneous postings on the wall of the little entry alcove at my polling place. I parked, and noticed the friendly constable at my 1:00, near the corner of the building (outside). I exited my vehicle and smiled at the two folks who were outside hoping to persuade me to choose their candidate. They were on my weak side, and I don't know if they saw my firearm or not. I gave them a polite 'no thanks' and entered the entry alcove, but remained outside the doors. I looked over all of the various postings and found everything to be what's typically expected. Nothing mentioning firearms. No 'Wanted' posters with my pic on them.
I was just turning to leave when I caught a bit of the conversation the two folks outside were having:
"Yeah, he made a pretty big scene and really scared the older people inside"...."The Sheriff said it wasn't illegal, like a courthouse, but he shouldn't have done it"....
They were standing just a few feet from the doorway, but I was out of sight. I don't know if they had seen my firearm, and then assumed I was inside so it was safe to gossip, or if I my timing is just that good. I wanted soooooo badly to pop my head around the wall and say, "I'm just wondering if you actually witnessed the incident?". Also,
(and I'm embarrassed to say it) I didn't have any of Pa. Patriot's flyers in my pocket.
I had a dozen or so in the car, but I knew if they hadn't actually identified me on the way in, they certainly would on the way out, with my strong side toward them.
I decided to not go to the car and come back with the flyers to engage them. I didn't want to be accused of creating a scene, so I just smiled as I left again and came home completely 'unharrassed'.