Planning an election day outfit? There might be a dress code for you to follow!
In New Hampshire, you cannot wear any clothing that explicitly depicts advocates for or against a candidate or political party.
At least 10 states in the country have rules about what onee can and cannot wear to the polls, and forbid people from sporting clothes that depict a certain political ideology.
Under New Hampshire law, electioneering is prohibited within the polling place building while actively being engaged in casting a vote, or registering to vote.
What is electioneering?
Electioneering means visibly displaying or audibly disseminating information that a reasonable person would believe explicitly advocates for or against any candidate, political party, or ballot measure.
Are there any penalties for violating this law?
Voters could be fined up to $1,000 for violating the law, but it won’t stop anyone from voting. All penalties are paid to the secretary of state.
What items are banned under the law?
Hats, shirts, pins and other items of clothing. Distributing or posting a card, handbill, poster, placard, stickers, and carrying a picture also constitute electioneering.
When was this law put into place?
The law has been in place since 2016.
I want to raise awareness about candidates on election day, how can I do so?
There is a “no electioneering zone” that extends out in a 10-foot wide access path to the poll location from its entrance. You are permitted to share your support or dissent for any candidates beyond that point.
So I can’t wear a shirt with Harris’ name or face on it, right? What about a Black Lives Matter shirt?
No Harris or MAGA paraphernalia are allowed, but a BLM shirt or other clothing item with BLM on it is OK.
