Amid the recent political hoopla over Hillary’s emails and Donald’s charges of election fraud, Atlanta social media lit up over a report that a DeKalb County mother was booted out of a polling place because her child was acting up.
The AJC’s Chris Joyner reported that on Nov. 3, Jennifer Fair went to vote early in downtown Decatur with her three girls, ages 4, 2 and a newborn. Frightened by the place and the strangers, the 2-year-old started crying.
“Everybody kept coming over and trying to calm her down, but it just freaked her out more,” Fair told the AJC. The poll manager told Fair she’d have to leave; she could come back when her daughter calmed down.
The story soon ended up – where else? on Facebook. With comments.
“I thought that would happen to me,” Kendra Amorski commented on Facebook’s “MommyPage.” “My daughter started playing with two young girls while we stood in line (for 2 hours!!) The other mom had to leave because her youngest had a meltdown, and as soon as I began to vote, my daughter started to break down. I made it out right before she burst into hysteria.”
Others weren’t sympathetic. Maria P. Yoos wrote, “Mom should have made babysitting arrangements while out voting.”
DeKalb elections officials pointed out that Fair was not barred from voting; she was simply directed to leave and come back later. Moreover, the child was crying loudly, and Georgia law gives poll workers broad latitude when dealing with children who are “causing a disturbance or are interfering with the conduct of voting,” Joyner reported.
Did the poll manager make the right call? Tell us what you think. Send comments by email to communitynews@ajc.com
LAST WEEK: SHOULD AVONDALE ESTATES CHANGE SIGNS AT LAKE, PARK?
After discussions during September and October work sessions, Avondale Estates commissioners have decided to change the language posted on the rules markers at Lake Avondale and Willis Park. Judging from comments at both sessions, the commission essentially believes the language archaic, unwelcome and vaguely racial.
The sub heading at both locations read “Restricted Use Premises,” and a portion of rule No. 1 says “This park is ‘for exclusive use of the residents of the city of Avondale Estates, their children and guests …” Rule No. 2 says violators may be subject to prosecution.
But even as commissioners took the first step last month by beginning to change the ordinance that established that language, they’ve received some resistance.
The language was likely authored by town founder George Willis, who also donated the park and lake to the city. His deed reads that if Avondale “fails to maintain and upkeep the property” it reverts back to Willis or his heirs.
Some residents have argued that the signs shouldn’t be touched because, among other reasons, the deed “is part of our history” and the properties were “a gift to the city.”
Here’s what some readers had to say:
Yes, Avondale is so insular. Decatur and Avondale were no different 20 years ago, not so much today. — Sylvan Hills Cash
While I can't imagine any community having a sign like this one posted in a public park, there is nothing about the language that can be reasonably characterized as "vaguely racial." The AJC is frequently accused of race-baiting by what I have always hoped is a small segment of its readers, and I always take those claims with a grain of salt. I'm afraid, however, that this time you may have proven their point. — Rick Diguette, Tucker
If Avondale Estates wants people who live elsewhere to not use their parks, then I guess they also want people who live elsewhere to not shop at their stores, eat at their restaurants, etc. Okay, I'm good with that — not spending another dime in Avondale Estates. — Susan Lewis Corwin
Who is complaining about not being able to use park? Park given to city of Avondale and should remain so, not open to others. — Brenda Moehring
So kids should not play at a public park. Say it out loud and realize how you sound. Shameful. It is a good thing to change the sign. — Rochelle Yasine
My 14-year-old son (now 25) and his friend, then students at nearby Avondale H.S. were sitting on the bench by the Avondale Lake — not bothering anyone or doing anything illegal — and were approached by Avondale police, who asked for ID and where they live and then told that they had to leave. I have not one iota of doubt that this would NOT have happened if they had not been young black males. As for that sign: yeah, I'd say it's more than "vaguely" racist. It is blatantly racist. All. Day. Long. — 2 infiniti
— Bill Banks for the AJC
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