I was speaking to somebody that is a McCain supporter. This person told me that he hopes many, many Obama supporters wear their buttons, shirts, hats, etc. to the polls on November 4. Why? He said that you can not wear campaigning materials such as these and still vote because it is considered campaigning for a specific candidate. I am thinking this is nonsense but I must admit I am also unsure. I thought the law prohibited people from working at the polls from wearing these items but not regular voters. Is this some type of law in most states? If so, does the law vary state to state? I mean I didn't think anything could stop you from voting unless you're not a citizen or a felon. What the deal?
http://www.snopes.com/politics/ballot/electioneering.asp Works both ways, and it also depends on the regulations of the local polling place.
I remember standing in line to vote in Bear Creek and a Harris County Judge in line behind me was making fun of Democrats very loudly as he chatted in line. I was pretty distasteful and was curious if that kind of politicking at the polls was allowed, by a county employee no less.
There's usually no campaign material allowed within a certain few feet of the actual polling location.
Well, if someone says you can't vote with that hat on, you just take it off, no? Where's the problem?
You MAY be asked to remove it, turn it inside out... email from the Secretary of State in Texas via yahoo answers. From: Elections Internet <Elections@sos.state.tx.us> Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2008 9:26:01 AM Subject: RE: Question about acceptable clothing to polls Wearing campaign materials inside a polling location is electioneering to other voters inside the polling area, and it is prohibited. Voters wearing campaign paraphernalia will be asked to cover it up or turn it inside, if applicable. Below is the state law from the Texas Election Code: § 61.003. ELECTIONEERING AND LOITERING NEAR POLLING PLACE PROHIBITED. (a) A person commits an offense if, during the voting period and within 100 feet of an outside door through which a voter may enter the building in which a polling place is located, the person: (1) loiters; or (2) electioneers for or against any candidate, measure, or political party. (b) In this section, "voting period" means the period beginning when the polls open for voting and ending when the polls close or the last voter has voted, whichever is later. (c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986. That being said it depends on the electoral judges and poll workers where you go vote. They may be too busy to mess with that type of stuff. It is a good idea not to wear anything you can't remove.
