Jefferson County’s prosecutor has asked for an attorney general’s opinion on whether the use of a bullhorn by supporters of a candidate for Jefferson County judge violates a state election law.
“The statute is very clear that there can be no electioneering within 100 feet of a polling site,” Prosecutor S. Kyle Hunter said Friday. “Does that mean that somebody outside the 100 foot limit can’t communicate with someone within the 100 foot limit with a bullhorn or shouting at them?
“In my opinion the use of the bullhorn violates the 100 foot rule,” Hunter said, explaining that he was not aware of any case law on the subject, and that’s why he is asking for the attorney general’s opinion.
The issue came up after supporters of current Pine Bluff Assistant Chief of Police Ivan Whitfield used a bullhorn outside the Jefferson County Courthouse where early voting was taking place Wednesday, resulting in two complaints to the election commission and one to The Commercial.
“I spoke to Kyle this morning and I’m glad to see that he’s taking the next step,” said Whitfield, after learning that Hunter had asked for the opinion.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Hunter said that he did not tell Whitfield not to use the bullhorn, but did tell him that in his opinion, its use violated state law.
“He had received information about restrictions on bullhorns at a candidate meeting and agreed not to use it,” Hunter said.
Whitfield said candidates were told to be outside the 100 foot limit.
“.. And we were outside that limit,” Whitfield said. “It (the bullhorn) is a good tool. It’s not one that would blow the walls off but it would elevate your voice a little bit.”
Hunter said he also asked for the opinion because the issue could come up again during the Nov. 6 General Election.
“I’m sure it’s going to come back in November, from me or somebody else,” Whitfield said.
Whitfield is opposed by former Pine Bluff Mayor Dutch King for the Democratic Party nomination for the position. The winner will face Republican Ted Harden in the general election.