Tent at voting sites raises ire with some campaigns

NAPLES — A tent at one of Collier County's early voting sites is drawing complaints from some campaigns.

Deana Bess, a volunteer coordinator with Collier County Commission District 5 candidate Tim Nance's campaign, made a formal complaint with the Supervisor of Elections Office and the county Wednesday morning about the tent.

In the complaint, Bess alleges that the campaigns of Collier County District 5 Commissioner Jim Coletta, Collier County Commission District 3 candidate Bill McDaniel and Collier County Clerk candidate John Barlow are using the tent to obstruct voters' entrance into the polling place and are "attempting to influence voters with water and food items."

She also alleges that the tent is blocking the bicycle rack and is creating fire and other public safety concerns.

Collier County Deputy Supervisor of Elections Tim Durham said his office has been made aware of complaints about the white tent near the parking lot at the Orange Blossom Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, and the "gauntlet" of campaign supporters voters will have to pass through to get into the library for early voting.

Durham said that the supporters of the campaigns using the tent are staying outside the 100-foot solicitation zone, which they are required to do.

Further, he said, the library approved the tent to keep supporters out of the sun while campaigning and the Supervisor of Elections Office does not have a problem with it if the county is fine with it.

Finally, Durham said he has asked polling officials at the Orange Blossom site to ensure that voters and library patrons don't have to pass through a gauntlet to vote.