Michigan bans campaign materials, clothing at polling places

LANSING. In Texas last week, a man attacked a poll worker after election staff asked him to remove a hat showing support for Donald Trump while he was inside a polling station.

There was a man arrested for assault not for violating Texas law on canvassing at the polls, but Texas is one of many states that restrict canvassing in or near polling places — and even something as simple as a hat can be a violation.

In Michigan, wearing clothing that promotes a campaign or candidate or distributing campaign materials near a polling place is a crime, but poll workers usually ask people to remove the items before taking official action.

Michigan election inspectors have “full authority to maintain peace, regularity and order” at the polling place and “enforce compliance with their lawful commands during any primary or election and during the collection of votes after the close of the poll,” according to information from the Michigan Secretary of State’s office

In Michigan, in addition to the ban on campaign clothing or materials, there are various restrictions on firearms within 100 feet of a polling place or ballot box.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, but Michigan has two more early in-person voting days, Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 3.

Here’s what you should know before going to the polling station.

Can I wear clothing that supports my chosen candidate?

there is no Michigan law prohibits the following within 100 feet of a polling place:

Campaigning for a candidate or voting
Wearing or bringing clothing or accessories related to elections or campaigns
Displaying or wearing signs promoting a candidate
Bringing election materials, campaign or party materials to the polling station
Requests for signatures or signing petitions

The law specifically prohibits things like stickers, with the exception of “I Voted” stickers distributed to successful voters.

What is the penalty for breaking the law?

Campaigning at or near a polling place can cost you $100 first offense and $250 for subsequent offenses.

What is voter intimidation?

Threatening or using other means Influencing another person as to how they vote or restraining or interrupting another person from voting in an election is intimidation, the state said.

Depending on the circumstances, According to the Michigan Secretary of State, the presence of an open firearm at a polling place, even without brandishing it, can intimidate voters and deter or prevent them from voting.

“If an election official observes or receives reports of acts that deter or obstruct voters during the voting process, law enforcement should be contacted immediately to assist election officials if necessary,” the state said in a statement.

Penalties for voter intimidation include 93 days in jail and $500 or $1,000 per year in jail for repeat offenses. A third offense is a felony.