Voters Beware! This Simple Act Could Turn Into a Big Legal Mess!

If you’re a fan of Curb Your Enthusiasm, you might remember Larry David’s run-in with the law from the 2024 season. In one episode, Larry hands a water bottle to a woman standing in line to vote at a Georgia polling station. What happens next? He’s questioned and arrested by police for allegedly breaking the law.

This moment may have been funny on screen, but it raises a real question: Can you really be arrested for offering something as simple as a bottle of water to someone waiting to vote? We dug into state laws and spoke to election experts to uncover the truth behind food-and-drink-related election rules.

Electioneering Laws: A Nationwide Standard

The concept of electioneering plays a crucial role in understanding why handing out snacks or water at a polling place might be considered illegal. Caren Short, director of legal and research for the League of Women Voters, explains that electioneering refers to any actions by political candidates or their supporters to influence voters at a polling location.

“Every state has laws designed to prevent undue influence at polling places,” says Short. “The idea is to ensure voters can cast their ballots without political pressure.” These laws vary from state to state, typically banning campaign materials and activities within a specific distance from the voting location. That distance, according to Short, can range from 100 to 300 feet, depending on the state.

To know the exact electioneering rules in your state, you can refer to guides provided by organizations like the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Line Warming: The Grey Area in Voting Laws

So, where does offering water or snacks fit into this? That’s where things get a little tricky. Georgia’s infamous Senate Bill 202 (SB 202) introduced a provision that made it illegal to give food or water to voters standing in line.

“What Georgia was arguing is that if someone from a political party hands you a bottle of water, that could be seen as electioneering,” Short explains. However, the argument falls apart when you consider that, during the 2020 election, nonpartisan groups handed out water to voters standing in line for hours. These volunteers weren’t wearing campaign shirts or pushing any agenda—they were just neighbors helping neighbors.

This brings us to the idea of line warming, which refers to practices like providing snacks or water to voters waiting in line. It’s not always tied to a political campaign, but it can still fall under election laws. SB 202 specifically made it illegal to engage in line warming in Georgia, imposing criminal penalties on those who offered food or drinks to people in line.

The Impact on Voters

In many areas of Georgia, especially in Black and brown communities, voters often face long lines at the polls. These long waits are not by accident, according to Short. “We have state legislatures passing bill after bill that makes voting harder, while they justify these actions with claims of voter fraud, which we’re not seeing,” Short says. She argues that these policies are designed to discourage voting, with long lines being just one part of the problem.

While voters wait for hours, simple acts of kindness—like handing out a bottle of water—can now result in criminal penalties in Georgia.

Some States Are Pushing Back

The good news is that not all states are doubling down on these restrictions. In 2023, a federal court blocked parts of Georgia’s SB 202, including the ban on distributing food and water to voters. Similarly, New York had a longstanding line warming law struck down by a federal court in 2024.

Unfortunately, not every state has been so lucky. Florida, for instance, passed a law in 2023 that includes a provision banning line warming, while Arkansas continues to enforce a similar ban.

What Are the Consequences?

Penalties for electioneering or line warming vary from state to state. In some states, offenders may face a fine, while in others, they could see jail time for up to a year. If your state considers line warming to be a form of electioneering, you could potentially face legal action for something as small as offering water to voters.

You Can Still Bring Your Own Snacks

Before you start worrying too much, it’s important to know that bringing your own food and drink to a polling location is generally allowed. You can grab a coffee and a sandwich before heading to the polls without any issues. However, the rules may differ inside specific polling locations like libraries or community centers, so it’s best to check their guidelines.

What About Poll Workers?

Poll workers are the unsung heroes of election day. While you may want to show your appreciation by offering them a snack, it’s best to stick to a simple “thank you.” Short explains, “Poll workers might not accept food or drink for fear of undue influence, so a verbal acknowledgment of their hard work is more appropriate.”

Know the Rules Before You Vote

To stay informed about your state’s voting laws, check out resources like Vote411.org, provided by the League of Women Voters. It’s a one-stop shop for finding out where to vote, what’s on your ballot, and what you need to bring to the polls.

In the end, while Larry David’s run-in with the law might have been exaggerated for comedic effect, the debate around food and drink distribution at polling places is very real. Stay informed, know your state’s laws, and be prepared to vote—hydrated or not.