If you have already chosen an outfit for Election Day that shows your support for either candidate, well, put it back in your closet.
The Virginia State Board of Elections announced Tuesday that any article of clothing with a political affiliation is banned from all polling places. So, as the saying goes, don’t wear your heart on your sleeve.
The Associated Press reports that the decision, according to the state board, strikes a balance between the First Amendment right of free speech and the right of voters to cast their ballots in a neutral, influence-free arena.
AP also reports that the American Civil Liberties Union may challenge the board’s decision in court.
Also released recently, the State Board of Elections discredits rumors that have been circulating about the state’s absentee ballots not being counted if a candidate is winning by a large margin. According to the press release, “this rumor is false.”
All absentee ballots that are properly cast will be counted. All voters who decide to vote absentee may do it via mail or in person at a local registrar, but those ballots need to follow all instructions in the ballot packet to be cast properly.
To be able to vote absentee, voters need to apply, and applications can be found on the state board website.
There are 17 categories that can qualify a voter to absentee, and some are:
– if the person won’t be in the city or county on the day of the elections;
– if the person is unable to go the polls in person because of disability, illness or pregnancy;
– if the person is confined while awaiting trial or for having been convicted of a misdemeanor, provided that the trial or release date is scheduled on or after the third day preceding the election.
– if the person is a member of an electoral board, registrar, officer of election, or custodian of voting equipment.
The deadline to vote by mail is October 28 by 5pm, and the last day to vote absentee in person at the registrar is November 1.
