Republicans question Democratic taco event for early voters

Republican party members are questioning the legality of the democratic party holding a taco event for early voters near ballot collection boxes.

The Yuma County Democratic Party was scheduled to hold an event at the ballot collection boxes located at the County Recorder’s office, San Luis City Hall and Somerton Heritage Pool on Tuesday.

The Yuma County Democratic Party said they wanted to encourage voters to get out and cast their ballots. They said voters who drop off election ballots signed and sealed could enjoy free music and tacos.

Yet, Yuma Republicans said they were concerned about the Democratic party holding the event near the ballot collection boxes. They said the event was in poor taste and might sway voters.

News 11 spoke with the Yuma County Recorder’s office who say parties and candidates must observe a 75-foot-limit rule when campaigning near a polling site.

“We do encourage voters to participate in the process through their political parties or other means to get involved in the process, but we don’t have any involvement in the outreach opportunities,” said Robyn Stallworth Pouquette, Yuma County Recorder.

Pouquette said the 75-foot-limit rule doesn’t apply at ballot drop-off boxes, only at the polling sites.