Voters can wear campaign buttons to polls, Pa. says

Philadelphia Inquirer, September 9, 2008

 

HARRISBURG - Voters who show up at the polls wearing campaign buttons or T-shirts should be allowed to cast ballots, the Pennsylvania Department of State has told county elections officials.

State Elections Commissioner Chet Harhut said that, as long as a voter does not try to campaign in the polling place, his or her attire should not matter. Harhut's position was outlined in a memo sent out last week. "Of primary concern is that no duly registered person be turned away at the polls," Harhut said. "If the conduct and apparel of a voter is determined to be more than passive, it should be addressed by the district election officials."

The Pennsylvania chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union had sought clarification about the issue because of voter complaints in recent elections from Allegheny, Lancaster, Montgomery and York Counties.

Harhut said it is reasonable for counties to prohibit poll watchers from wearing clothing or buttons that "show or advocate the election of a candidate or candidates of a specific political party." - AP

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