Court leans toward school rights to curb campus campaigning

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A federal court has rejected a request by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, a group arguing its rights were violated while campaigning at a northern Idaho school on Election Day.

The court last week denied the committee’s request to grant a permanent injunction that would have forced the Coeur d’Alene School District to allow groups to hand out election materials on school grounds even if they interfered with kids getting to school.

The court didn't rule on the merits of the case, which continues. But the court found that the group was unlikely to win the case because, among other things, it misinterpreted Idaho’s campaign-free-zone election law.

Specifically, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee argues that it can hand out election materials anywhere on school grounds as long as the group is more than 100 feet (30 meters) from the building where voting is taking place.

While campaigning is allowed at schools, The Coeur d'Alene School District contends it can prevent electioneering within 100 feet (30 meters) of campus grounds if groups are interfering with kids going to class.

“While Plaintiffs seemingly believe that Idaho (law) is meant to protect their right to electioneer 101 feet (30 meters) or more from the polling place, the language of the statute instead illustrates that it is meant to protect voters from interference,” Chief U.S. District Court Judge David C. Nye wrote.

Katharine Brereton, an attorney representing the school district, said the district is confident going forward that it will win.

“Judge Nye recognized that children have an interest in safe, peaceful education environments, and the children's interest in that environment outweighs the potential minimal harm to people who choose to engage in...