FYI: Electioneering = T-shirts at the polls

[AKSheridan]

When voting, you may be asked to remove political t-shirts or buttons!!

I went to vote today (this is in Illinois) with FIL. He was wearing an Obama t-shirt. They actually made him remove it and turn it inside out!!

So I looked up the law today, and Illinois law states "No electioneering" which is understandable. Well the definition of electioneering is "To work actively for a candidate or political party." How is wearing a t-shirt actively working?

Some states have "passive electioneering" laws, which would include t-shirts, buttons, etc. Still, Illinois does not, but apprarently it varies and I've read that in Illinois it's sort of a gray area and Illinois Election Code Section 7.29 basically states that it is the "sole discretion of the election officers" to ask one to remove his/her candidate’s t-shirt, hat or button if they deem it to be offensive.

Pretty lame that they can so easily infringe upon our freedom of speech!

[4noisyboys]

I've always understood it to mean not to wear buttons, shirts, or anything of the sort within so many feet of the polling place. I'm ok with that.

[txmusicmom]

Originally Posted by AKSheridan

When voting, you may be asked to remove political t-shirts or buttons!!

that COULD be embarrassing

[HappyMc]

Originally Posted by 4noisyboys

I've always understood it to mean not to wear buttons, shirts, or anything of the sort within so many feet of the polling place. I'm ok with that.

Yep, that's how I understand it too. I don't have a problem with it either.

[Scorpiosue1102]

Interesting. I'll make sure to not wear my Obama shirt that day.

[txmusicmom]

Originally Posted by Simonetta Rossi (Scorpiosue1102)

Interesting. I'll make sure to not wear my Obama shirt that day.

Yes- you wouldn't want to be shirtless.........

[vegaschristina]

Originally Posted by Simonetta Rossi (Scorpiosue1102)

Interesting. I'll make sure to not wear my Obama shirt that day.

That or take a jacket so you can cover it up.

[cassie-in-texas]

Originally Posted by txmusicmom

Yes- you wouldn't want to be shirtless.........

Don't know, if more women went to the polls shirtless, I'll bet voter turnout would improve, at least among the men!

[Babette]

Originally Posted by cassie-in-texas

Don't know, if more women went to the polls shirtless, I'll bet voter turnout would improve, at least among the men!

LOL LOL LOL ...... omg! I was drinking when I read this!!! However, I got $10 that says you're right!!! lol

[Miss Chris]

Originally Posted by cassie-in-texas

Don't know, if more women went to the polls shirtless, I'll bet voter turnout would improve, at least among the men!

LOL, so my first (joking)thought after you posted this was that we should have the ladies that work the polls go topless to improve turnout. But then I pictured the ladies that work the polls around here and thought that it might have quite the opposite reaction. No offense to the sweet, blue haired set intended!