2008.10.30
Election Day dress code
For Sunday: Planning to wear a campaign button or T-shirt while voting on Tuesday? The state claims this is taboo, a violation of election code, meaning you could face prosecution.
Some commonwealth attorneys say that the election bureau's interpretation of the law is misguided and they do not plan to go along with the being an arm of the campaign fashion police squad.
The issue won't be resolved until after Election Day. That's when The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression, The Rutherford Institute and the ACLU of Virginia are expected to ask a federal court to declare the state policy unconstitutional.
Anyone planning to wear McCain or Obama apparel?
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I wasn't planning on it (because i don't have any) but why is this suddenly an issue? I don't recall this coming up in the past and it has been fairly standard for campaign worker to be handing out stickers at the polls. Will they not be allowed to that either since the voters will then be wearing campaign stuff?
Comment by HCS — October 30, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
Does this mean that the candidates don't get to actually vote? Surely if it is against the law for me to wear my John McCain shirt into the polling area then John McCain himself wouldn't be allowed, right?
Comment by Jack — October 30, 2008 @ 1:03 pm
I think I'll wear a [cringe] Hillary shirt, strut into the poll booth, then loudly proclaim that the election is a sham because a name was left off the ballot. Hilarity will ensue.
Comment by Ed S. — October 30, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Ed S. -- You can always vote for her as a write-in. Or, just wait. David Letterman said that whoever wins on November 4th will go up against Hilary in the final round.
Comment by Jack — October 30, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
There is tension and outright animosity in this election. Covering various political rallies, I can tell you that the rumors have been taken to heart. It plays to some citizens' worst fears. I think you know what I’m referring to without being or wanting to be specific. It is not just "swift boat" tactics. It is outright hatred.
Perhaps this is an attempt at averting hostility at the voting booth.
However, it could backfire as confrontation over apparel could spark an incident where there would have been none.
If this is the intent, it is a sad condition as America becomes more divisive.
Comment by Valerie — October 30, 2008 @ 2:30 pm
Nobody seems to be taking me seriously. I'll say again. If you are not allowed to wear a shirt with John McCain on it, then why would John McCain himself be allowed?
Comment by Jack — October 30, 2008 @ 3:13 pm
Jack, McCain votes in Arizona, so is unaffected by this Virginia law.
But let's tweak your question to Mark Warner or Jim Gilmore. The law says they are not allowed to engage in campaign activities within 40 feet of the building. That means they can enter and vote. They may not urge people to vote for them while there. Wearing a shirt for a candidate, on the other hand, is inherently showing support for him. That's what officials won't allow.
That, at least, is the reasoning.
Comment by c. trejbal — October 30, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
"David Letterman said that whoever wins on November 4th will go up against Hilary in the final round."
Maybe that's what we need. An "American Gladiators" for elections. Several tests: physical, geographical knowledge, a bit of history, economics and money management, feats of strength, political posturing (staring down the other diplomat), and of course, the "evening gown" competition.
Comment by Ed S. — October 30, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
Hillary has the FBI files of both Biden and McCain. She wins by default.
Comment by Henry — October 30, 2008 @ 4:08 pm
I've got my plan.
I'm going to vote, then I'm going to pull off my sweatshirt to reveal my McCain/Palin shirt on underneath.
Briliant plan if I do say so myself.
God bless America and the first and second amendments.
Comment by Jack — October 31, 2008 @ 8:47 pm
Christen,
They wont have to go in to vote they will do it by absentee..
lol
Comment by HERB — November 1, 2008 @ 8:38 am