A question for those that know polling place rules.

[peacebaby3]

I want to make myself a "Yes, We Can!" sweatshirt to wear on ST. I want to wear it when I go vote. Will this be considered campaigning if I wear the shirt to vote? What are the rules for individuals and campaigning? If it doesn't directly endorse a candidate, is it different?

In '04, I campaigned however many feet away for Kerry/Edwards and stuck a sweatshirt on over my Kerry shirt when I went to vote.

Thanks for any help.

[never_get_over_it]

1. It depends on the state I think

I have often worn political buttons when I vote - as an individual that is not considered campaigning - I wouldn't be "talking" up Obama - as that would be considered campaigning BUT just wearing a t-shirt I don't think would

But as I said these rules are state based and might vary from where I wore most of my buttons to vote which was Virginia

[peacebaby3]

3. I'm not in VA, but you might be right about different state rules. I may

have to wind up calling the state party office just to make sure.

[never_get_over_it]

6. I'm not completely sure

but I think I wore my Kerry Edwards t-shirt to vote in FL in 2004 and I was in line FOREVER and nobody said a word - although I did have a VERY snarky conversation with a power boater who thought it was her God given right to power boat around and run over manatees - I finally shut her up after she said that the "environmentalists" were making HUGE money on protecting the manatees - AFTER I STOPPED LAUGHING AT HER I said PROVE IT - and she shut the hell up....

[peacebaby3]

7. Thanks for the info. I was just trying to figure out what the definition of

"campaigning" is and how it applies. You brought up a really good point that I should have thought of though regarding the difference between states so I may just need to call the state party office tomorrow and check.

Thanks for sticking up for the manatees!!!!

[never_get_over_it]

9. Well you're welcome

have to tell you that sorry woman is lucky I didn't slap the crap out of her she was SO ANNOYING - but when she made the comment about those RICH ENVIRONMENTALISTS - she really did herself in and there were many folks around to hear her make an ass of herself.....

and just for the record I really would never slap the crap out of anybody - just an expression...

[Mz Pip]

2. I know you can't distribute

any kind of campaign literature withing 50 feet of a polling place. Don't know if that really applies to clothing, though. It's not like you're distributing anything.

I doubt a t shirt will change many minds once voters get into the polling place, though.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[peacebaby3]

5. I'm not trying to change any other minds. I'm just making a statement.

True, I'm not distributing and I'm not even wearing anything with a name on it.

[alteredstate]

4. In South Carolina

Pollwatchers and election employees cannot wear campaign-related clothing, buttons or badges.

Campaigners must remain at least 200 feet from the polling place.

As far as I know, there's no law against donning political garb when voting at the polls. But I think it might get sticky if the partisan voter engages in conversation with the poll workers and poll watchers.

[peacebaby3]

8. Thanks for this info. n/t