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  • 1.  Museum as a Polling Place

    Posted 10-19-2015 06:14 PM


    Hello, 

    Our museum is thinking about being a polling place for the upcoming elections, and I'm not sure it is such a good idea with our status as a 501 (C) non profit organization. We do meet all the requirements ie: ample parking, space for six tables and chairs, etc; but I do not want to jeopardize anything like our grants if we take this step. 

    Want to see what the rest of the museum world thinks about this. 

     

    Thank you

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    Jennifer Alcantara
    Long Beach, CA
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  • 2.  RE: Museum as a Polling Place

    Posted 10-20-2015 08:42 AM


    Congratulations! I think that becoming a polling place is a marvelous idea. Anything to encourage people to do their civic duty and to visit museums! Around here, lots of churches and schools are polling place, so I don't see that it would be in any way a problem with your 501 (c) status.

    Jay

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    John Templin
    Museum Interpretive Site Supervisor
    Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
    Williamsburg VA

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Museum as a Polling Place

    Posted 10-20-2015 12:10 PM


    I agree.  I think this is a marvelous way to be helpful to the community and spread your name.

    I would suggest it at my museum but we have no on site parking.  Visitors utilize paid meters or garages.

    Best of Luck.

    Linda

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    Linda Nelson
    Registrar
    Maryland Science Center
    Baltimore MD

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Museum as a Polling Place

    Posted 10-20-2015 08:51 AM
    Hi Jennifer,

    The lobby of The Museum at FIT has been used as a polling place for many, many years, and it has had zero impact on any grants requests or applications.

    Hope that helps.

    Best,
    --
    Tamsen Young
    Museum Digital Media and Strategic Initiatives Manager
    The Museum at FIT
    New York City
    212.217.4547
    www.fitnyc.edu/museum

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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Museum as a Polling Place

    Posted 10-20-2015 10:04 AM
    Hey there. This would not jeopardize your not-for-profit status in any way, so feel free to proceed. We found this an excellent way to connect with Museum neighbors and remind them of the ways we can serve them.

    The REAL concern is hosting the judges of election and the poll volunteers. In my experience they are pretty settled into habits: need places to spread out their foods and hobbies, take breaks, etc etc. If you can manage that, I'd say go for it.

    Christopher Leitch



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Museum as a Polling Place

    Posted 10-20-2015 01:26 PM


    Thank you everyone for your comments!  I believe we are going to begin the process to become a polling place. 

    thank you again!  

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    Jennifer Alcantara
    Events Coordinator
    Museum of Latin American Art
    Long Beach, CA

    Original Message