Eureka, CA - Access Humboldt’s community media channels provide a free platform for political speech in the community.
While the broadcast TV rules for “equal time” and the “Fairness Doctrine” do not apply to community access channels, there is a clear standard: “Equal opportunity” is afforded for all views to be expressed. On the community channels of Access Humboldt, you will see programs presented by local residents, including programs that promote a candidate or a particular cause.
Political speech regarding candidates for public office and ballot measures are among the most protected forms of speech under US law. The rules of engagement for Access Humboldt are posted online at http://accesshumboldt.net/site/programming-policy. Local policies about Political Programming include:
“… Candidates for local office may produce programs or appear on other programs, in the same manner as any other member of the community. No paid advertising will be accepted on behalf of any candidate for public office or political parties, including promoting and or opposing ballot issues by supporting groups or lobbying organizations.
Political candidates and advocates for ballot issues are welcome to utilize the services on the same terms as other access users. AH maintains the right to limit the length and frequency of political programming in the same manner that it imposes these limits on other programs…”
Commercial speech, including solicitation of funds for non-profit purposes, is regulated and generally prohibited. So, a message calling for a vote is fully protected, while selling products or making a plea for contributions is not.
Under the heading “Producers’ and Presenters’ Rights” is an important statement:
”Producers and presenters are not obligated to show or sponsor shows representing any viewpoint other than their own. Community residents with different and opposing viewpoints are encouraged to use the public access channel to express their own ideas.”
HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: Today is the first day of Conditional Voter Registration and Provisional Voting, and the Humboldt County Office of Elections will be offering this service to eligible voters who missed the 15 day registration deadline or for those who haven’t had an opportunity to update their address information for the upcoming election. Beginning today, October 23rd and continuing through Election Day, November 6th, individuals have the opportunity to come to the Humboldt County Elections Office, complete a voter registration form, and receive a provisional ballot. Under this law, once the county elections official processes the voter registration form, determines the individual’s eligibility to register, and validates the individual’s information, the registration becomes permanent and the provisional ballot is counted.
Individuals can register to vote online at www.registertovote.ca.gov prior to coming to the Humboldt County Office of Elections to vote a provisional ballot.
The Humboldt County Office of Elections is located at 2426 6th Street, Eureka, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to Noon, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Election Day, November 6th, the Office of Elections is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For questions or additional information, call (707) 445-7481.