A man was arrested on Election Day for allegedly causing disruptions at multiple polling places in East Lyme where police said he challenged Girl Scouts who were fundraising, impeded the Registrar’s Office from conducting election duties and confronted a girl who was advocating for female reproductive rights.
David Godbout, 61, faces charges after being involved in separate incidents at the East Lyme Community Center, at 37 Society Road, and the East Lyme High School, at 30 Chesterfield Road, according to the East Lyme Police Department.
Police said Godbout went to the high school in the morning hours where he allegedly challenged the Girl Scouts of America and their right to fundraise within 75 feet of the neutrality zone around the polls. Following this exchange, he was seen having contact with a juvenile who was outside of the neutrality zone providing information about reproductive rights, according to police. Police said “concerned bystanders” contacted authorities about the incidents.
After having contact with an officer, police said Godbout entered the high school polling station and refused to show his identification when he tried to vote, saying it was an “illegal and unconstitutional search of his person.” According to police, Godbout was repeatedly told by the poll worker he could take the issue up in a different area of the school, but he refused and left.
Shortly thereafter, Godbout arrived at the community center and had an exchange outside the zone of neutrality with state Sen. Martha Marx. Police said a “disturbance” led to state Rep. candidate Nick Menapace physically stepping in between the two and defusing the situation. A bystander once again contacted police, but Marx declined to press charges, according to police.
An officer tried to speak with Godbout as he entered the community center, but he said he would only speak to a supervisor, police said. The officer radioed for a supervisor to respond.
Godbout then entered the Registrar of Voters Office where he complained about the Girl Scouts being allowed to fundraise within 75 feet of a polling station, police said. He also got into a “heated discussion” about having to present identification or sign an affidavit to vote, arguing that he had legal documentation proving he did not need to do either of those things, according to police.
Police said Godbout also requested to change his political affiliation. According to VoterRecords.com, he is registered with the Libertarian Party.
Police allege that Godbout was repeatedly told what he needed to be allowed to cast his ballot and was given the paperwork to change his political affiliation. During this time, he impeded multiple people who were trying to access the Registrar of Voters, police said.
Godbout also allegedly raised his voice as he continued his argumentative ways and refused to leave, according to police. He was escorted outside and taken into custody.
Godbout faces charges of disorderly conduct and violation of conditions of release. He posted a $2,000 bond and was released with the condition he does not cause any further disruptions at polling places. He is scheduled to face a judge on Nov. 19.
According to Judicial Branch records, Godbout was previously arrested in January by East Lyme police and charged with criminal impersonation. That case remains pending in New London Superior Court, where he is scheduled to appear on Nov. 14.
