Can you take an election selfie in Ohio? Why is it illegal?

It’s second nature if you’re active on social media. You voted and want to share with the world that you have fulfilled your civic duty.

Just don’t do it with an election selfie. You would be breaking Ohio law. That’s why.

Are selfies against the law in Ohio?

In Ohio, it is illegal to take a selfie votea photo of your ballot. However, it is highly unlikely that you will be prosecuted for this.

Take a photo of the completed ballot a felony of the fifth degree in Ohio. This involves a fine of $2,500 and up to a year in prison. However, there is no record of Ohio ever following the law, the Cincinnati Enquirer previously reported.

Why is it forbidden to photograph the completed ballot?

In 1997, lawmakers banned photos of completed ballotsColumbus Dispatch reported earlier. why Fear of election interference and voter intimidation.

Lawmakers were concerned that employers, friends or others could pressure people to vote a certain way by requiring voters to show photos of a completed ballot to prove how they voted.

After almost 20 years, the law may seem archaic, the Enquirer previously reportedand may be a violation of the First Amendment. A federal court in New Hampshire ruled that banning such ballot images violated voters’ right to free speech.

Can I take a photo of my friend’s vote?

Yes, according to previous Enquirer reports, this is something candidates do all the time. Just don’t notice their ballot in the photo.

Can I wear a campaign t-shirt or hat to vote?

No. You are prohibited from canvassing or attempting to influence the voting of others within 100 feet of a polling place. Therefore, you may not wear hats, t-shirts, buttons, or any other paraphernalia that supports a candidate when you vote. Representatives of the election commission may ask you to cover the campaign shirt with a jacket or turn it inside out.