Va. officials ban campaign clothing at polls - AP

[steve2470]

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hKuPrQtlu__S6BS6BzBLbBec3_VwD93QE8S00

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia voters won't be allowed to wear clothing featuring John McCain or Barack Obama when they head to the polls on Nov. 4.

The State Board of Elections on Tuesday voted to ban clothing and hats as well as buttons and other paraphernalia that directly advocate the election or defeat of a specific candidate or issue.

The American Civil Liberties Union argued that the ban violates the First Amendment's right to free speech. The board, however, said it has to weigh that against the right to vote free of undue influence or the tension that candidate advocacy might create.

Efforts to enforce a similar ban are headed to court in Pennsylvania. At least four states — Maine, Montana, Vermont and Kansas — prohibit wearing campaign buttons, stickers and badges inside polling places.

more at link above

[texastoast]

1. Must agree

We've had it in Texas that way ever since I started judging. You can wear all that stuff but you have to do it at least 100 feet away.

The polls are no place for electioneering. I keep a jacket for people who wear that stuff so they can cover up and get to vote without going home to change.

[demnan]

4. That's a good idea

I'll remember to carry a spare jacket when I work the polls.

[Sukie]

2. The problem I have with this decision

is that they have no way of letting everyone know before hand and will likely use this to turn people away. I live in Virginia and did not hear this until I just read this. I will bet a lot of people I know will say the same.

[CrispyQ]

3. This is the case in my county of Colorado.

As an election judge, if we see anyone with clothing, buttons, stickers, we are to ask them to remove, turn inside-out or completely cover the political gear.

This is not unreasonable & in my opinion, not in violation of free speech. I find 'free speech zones' to be much more of a threat to our 1st amendment.