{"id":351424,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:43","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/how-do-i-protect-my-right-to-vote\/electioneering-laws-and-election-interference.html"},"modified":"2026-04-14T11:45:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T16:45:43","slug":"electioneering-laws-and-election-interference","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/how-do-i-protect-my-right-to-vote\/electioneering-laws-and-election-interference.html","title":{"rendered":"Political Apparel and Activity at Polling Places: State-by-State Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Political Apparel and Activity at Polling Places: State-by-State Rules<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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To prevent election interference or electioneering<\/span>, states have rules about the wearing of campaign apparel<\/span>, the distribution of political literature, and campaigning near a voting site. These rules are designed to promote free and fair elections and discourage voter intimidation<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ensuring elections are fair and free from manipulation and unfair influence is important. Some people attempt to use various tactics that can disrupt the election process. State laws<\/span> address this issue.<\/p>\n

This article examines electioneering<\/span> and election interference. It explains what electioneering<\/span> is and why what you wear and carry to the polls might not be permitted. State rules for in-person<\/span> voting<\/span> and taking photos in and around polling places<\/span> are also covered.<\/p>\n

What Is Electioneering<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Electioneering<\/span> happens when political groups try to persuade registered voters to vote for or against a political party<\/span>, candidate, or ballot initiative. Electioneering<\/span> is legal during election season or at a distance from the polls. It becomes illegal and an attempt to influence voters as these advocates get closer to the polls and those trying to cast their votes.<\/p>\n

Electioneering<\/span> near polling places<\/span> and drop boxes on election day<\/span> is illegal in most states, though a few still permit it. State boards of election monitor this activity, as electioneering<\/span> activities can impact election results. They can also become voter intimidation<\/span> and even election fraud.<\/p>\n

Electioneering<\/span> Laws<\/span>: Restrictions on Polling Sites<\/h2>\n

Each state has some version of the law that regulates electioneering<\/span> near polling places<\/span> on Election Day. For instance, Delaware law prohibits wearing any button, banner, or other object that refers to issues, candidates, or partisan topics. Minnesota<\/span>\u2019s electioneering<\/span> laws<\/span><\/a>\u00a0restrict such things as:<\/p>\n