Pubdate: Wed, 8 Nov 2000 Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA) Copyright: 2000 Worcester Telegram & Gazette Contact: P.O. Box 15012, Worcester, MA 01615-0012 Fax: (508) 793-9313 Website: http://www.telegram.com/ Author: George Barnes MARIJUANA ACTIVIST ARRESTED OUTSIDE TEMPLETON POLLS TEMPLETON-- Legalization of marijuana, which was not even on the ballot, caused the biggest stir at one polling place yesterday. Raymond E. Brouillet, 44, of 206 Otter River Road, was arrested around 10 a.m. outside Scout Hall in East Templeton, the Precinct A polling place, after he refused to take down his sign or move 150 feet from the building. His sign promoted legalization of marijuana, a matter that was not among the eight ballot questions. He was charged with being a disorderly person and disturbing the peace. At his arraignment in Gardner District Court, Mr. Brouillet demanded to know the jurisdiction of the court. When he was not given an answer, he refused to sign paperwork releasing him on personal recognizance. After debating with a court officer, he was released anyway. Later, Mr. Brouillet said he was arrested after arguing with police and an election official that he had a constitutional right to stand closer to the polling place because the issue of marijuana was not on the ballot. He said he was arrested only because he was defending his rights. Town Clerk Sheila R. Tallman said she had heard that Mr. Brouillet was too close to the polling place and went to investigate. "I saw he was within 150 feet carrying a sign and I just asked him to move a little further away," she said. "He then brought out a tape recorder and started asking me questions. I said, 'I'm just asking you to move a little further away.' He said he wasn't going to." Mrs. Tallman said she then called the police. Police said they did not arrest Mr. Brouillet for violating polling place law, but rather because of what he did when they asked him to move. Mrs. Tallman said state law prohibits anyone from soliciting votes for a candidate or ballot question within 150 feet of a polling place. She said that though legalization of marijuana was not on the ballot, she was concerned that some voters might have viewed his sign as promoting Question 8. Question 8 sought to expand the state's drug treatment program by redirecting drug forfeiture money from law enforcement agencies. Mrs. Tallman said several other signs promoting candidates and issues were posted near the polling place yesterday, but were beyond 150 feet. Mr. Brouillet is due back in court Dec. 15 for a pretrial hearing. - ---