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What are the rules regarding exit polls?
• Posted in Exit Polls
Wisconsin's law regulating the conduct of persons on Election Day is designed to ensure that nothing interferes with the orderly conduct of the election, and that nothing distracts voters from exercising their right to vote at the polls on Election Day.    S. 5.35(5), Wis. Stats.
Persons conducting surveys, circulating petitions or engaging in similar activity may not do so inside the polling place, and may not interfere with the orderly conduct of the election.  Electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of the entrance to a polling place on public property on election day. S. 12.03(2), Wis. Stats.  The Government Accountability Board staff recommends that surveys and other activities should be conducted outside the 100 ft. area where electioneering is prohibited.
Exit polls are surveys conducted by news organizations and others to determine how electors have voted.  Wisconsin law does not prohibit the conduct of exit polls by a news organization.  The Government Accountability Board and its staff have taken the position that exit polls may not be conducted within the building containing the polling place.  It is recommended that persons conducting exit polls do so outside of the entrance to the building containing the polling place. 
Exit pollsters do not have to be positioned outside the 100 ft. electioneering area.  However, persons conducting exit polls must not block the entrance or interfere with the access of voters entering and leaving the polling place.
Wisconsin election officials are authorized to remove anyone from the polling place who interferes with or distracts voting at the election.  S.7.37(2), Wis. Stats.  If any person refuses to obey the lawful commands of an election inspector or is disorderly in the presence or hearing of the inspectors, interrupts or disturbs the proceeding, a law enforcement officer may remove them from the voting area.  2/17/2003
A formal opinion regarding circulation of petitions at polling places is also available.  For further details, please see ElBd Opinion 07-01 (reaffirmed 6/9/08).  If you have any questions regarding this guidance, please contact the G.A.B. HelpDesk via phone at 608-261-2028 begin_of_the_skype_highlightin g     608-261-2028     end_of_the_skype_highlighting or via http://gab.wi.gov/node/1689ema il at gab@wi.gov.

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