stupid question-can you wear a political t-shirt to vote-as long as...

[w8liftinglady]

it doesn't advocate a candidate...for example-"Veterans for Peace"?

[JuniperLea]

1. I've never heard that you can't...

But I have heard you can't if you are officially working at the polling place.

Personally, I think a "Veterans for Peace" t-shirt is proper attire always in all places!

:hi:

[Speck Tater]

2. I vote in my underwear.

Of course Oregon has vote by mail. ;)

[AsahinaKimi]

21. So does California ...

As to what I wore, I will keep that to myself.

[Canuckistanian]

3. Can you be turned away from the polls merely by what you're wearing?

Really?

[tanyev]

7. It varies by state.

In Texas you are not supposed to wear anything supporting a particular candidate. I don't know how uniformly election judges enforce it, though.

[Canuckistanian]

20. Amazing

There are no such restrictions in Canada.

We do have laws banning political advertising at a polling place, but nothing about clothes.

[Jamastiene]

8. In some areas, if it can be seen as campaigning in any way

and it is within a certain distance to from the voting booths, and in some instances a certain distance from the entrance to the polling place, itself, yes.

[northoftheborder]

11. They do not allow "electioneering" within a designated ....

.... number of feet from the polling place. Signs, or T-shirts, or pins advocating a candidate or issue on the ballot is not allowed. That's why there is always such a cluster of signs and activity outside that footage. (This is in Texas)

[Curmudgeoness]

14. Really. At least they were doing this in PA.

I googled "voting dress code" and there is quite a controversy:

From http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/04/politics/main4501531.shtml

Pennsylvanian Sue Nace thought election volunteers were joking last spring when they told her she would have to remove her T-shirt to vote in the U.S. presidential primary.

But it was no laughing matter to the poll workers-turned-fashion police, who said Nace's Barack Obama shirt was inappropriate electioneering - and made her cover the writing before casting a ballot.

Now, a political fight over what voters can wear to the polls is headed to court in Pennsylvania - with the Republican Party favoring a dress code and Democrats opposed.

Last month the state's highest election office issued a memo advising counties that voters' attire doesn't matter as long as the "voter takes no additional action to attempt to influence other voters."

More

[hedgehog]

4. Check your local regulations; they vary from state to state.

Some folks from Texas came up on election day to support a Tea party candidate(Doug Hoffman) two years ago. They went off in a huff when the poll workers called the cops on them for demonstrating/campaigning too close to the polls. New York has very strict laws on that.

[Curmudgeoness]

5. Although I think that all of this is BS, why would you want to do this?

I would not be willing to jeapordize my chance to vote by pushing the envelop. Even though I see no reason why you couldn't wear this t-shirt. Actually, I see no reason you couldn't wear any t-shirt, even one for a candidate. But that is something I would fight within the system instead of making a protest at the voting booth.

[Jamastiene]

6. Call your local County Board of Elections.

They can tell you the answer to that better. That is your best bet to get a definitive answer and know for sure. It varies from area to area.

[polichick]

10. Yep - it varies from area to area, and from time to time. nt

[w8liftinglady]

9. lol...I'll just dress "pretty" then...Every vote needs to count for Mr. White

[WolverineDG]

13. early voting starts Monday

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

dg

[WolverineDG]

12. they'll make you turn it inside out or cover it up

the locals here take the "no campaigning beyond this point" seriously.

dg

[cherokeeprogressive]

15. Same here, and I'm totally okay with that. n/t

[Divine Discontent]

16. just bring a flimsy shirt in your hand if forced to change! :)

[MooPie]

17. It depends where you live.

I am a poll worker in Orlando and here you are allowed to wear whatever you want, including buttons, shirts, hats. However, you cannot leave materials or campaign while you are waiting in line or voting.

[The Philosopher]

18. In the state of Texas

If a person comes in with a political t-shirt, the shirt must either be exchanged for a non-political one or be turned inside out.

That particular t-shirt might be a violation, but I can't remember. I'm going to assume if it doesn't have a website that links to an group that advocates a particular party or candidate, then it's fine.

Call your county voters administration office and they'll tell you for sure. But if you forget, arrive and the clerks/Judges tell you that you can't wear the shirt, just wear another shirt over it or turn it inside out (you'll have access to a bathroom).

[TreasonousBastard]

19. In NY you can't wear a shirt, pin, or whatever advocating anything on the ballot...

withing a hundred feet of the poll. Anyone wears a candidate T-shirt should be told to cover it up.

I never personally saw a problem with this, but have heard of altercations.

[HopeHoops]

22. Even ones that mention a candidate are generally allowed (not always).

In most places, the rules are simply "no campaigning within (X) feet of polling station". Wearing a hat, shirt, or button isn't "campaigning" if you aren't preaching about your candidate or handing out literature. Some places are more strict than others and it is obviously subject to interpretation. If you get a Sheriff Buford T. Justice sort involved, things could get ugly.

As for the "Veterans for Peace" t-shirt, that's an issue-oriented slogan, not a candidate-oriented one. It should be fine anywhere. You can always take a "Death To Fucking Morons" t-shirt as backup and leave it in your car unless necessary.