Polls, booze don't mix during voting

Those wishing to throw caution -- and three sheets -- to the wind will have to postpone celebrations Tuesday, as local alcohol merchants will be unable to sell spirits on Election Day before the polls close.\nAccording to Indiana Code 7.1-5-10-1 (3), elections in Indiana are times for sobriety.\n"On primary election day, and general election day, from 3 o'clock in the morning, prevailing local time, until the voting polls are closed in the evening on these days," the code states.\nSo when most Bloomington bars are trumpeting last calls Monday night, it will signal the end of booze-mongering until 6 p.m. Tuesday when the polls close.\nIU Law Professor Pat Baude said the law is an antiquated piece of Indiana's legislative history.\n"It was originally designed to prevent people from buying drinks for voters in exchange for their votes," Baude said. "It doesn't rest on any deep or compelling policy."\nAdam Hall, a bartender for Yogi's Grill and Bar at 10th Street and Indiana Avenue said his crew expects no problems.\n"Some people don't realize we don't serve alcohol (until the polls close), but most people around here seem like they already know the law," Hall said. "It's never really been a problem for us."\nA representative for Nick's English Hut at 423 E. Kirkwood Ave. said the bar will be closed the first half of the day, but declined further comment.\nSenior Jessica Williams, who turns 21 on Election Day this year and plans to vote, said though she is disappointed the bars will be closed during the day, she understands the spirit of the law.\n"You don't want drunk people going to the polls," she said. \n-- Contact senior writer Rick Newkirk at renewkir@indiana.edu.