Voters in McClain County are reminded to keep the integrity of the election system in mind, when going to the polls.
While ballot “selfies” or taking photographs of a marked ballot are legal, voters may not share or distribute the image through social media or by any other means while inside the election enclosure. Voters must wait until they leave their polling place before posting or sharing the picture with anyone.
Improper use of the photo could result in a violation of the law. Voters may not use the image to coerce, influence, or intimidate another voter.
McClain County Election Board Secretary Karen Haley says voters should be aware that violating the law has consequences.
“While some offenses may seem minor, unlawful activity on Election Day constitutes a serious crime and could result in a misdemeanor or in some cases, a felony conviction,” she said. “We want all voters to be aware of their actions and be respectful of the rights of others.”
Haley said, it is illegal to disclose how you voted with anyone while inside the election enclosure. In addition, you may not remove a ballot from the polling place.
Keep in mind that electioneering is prohibited within 300 feet of any ballot box while an election is in progress. This includes wearing or bringing visible campaign related paraphernalia into the election enclosure.
Haley notes that no one except election officials and voters waiting to vote are allowed within 50 feet of any ballot box on Election Day. Certain exceptions are made for media and those assisting disabled voters.
Voters are reminded that consuming alcohol of any kind or quantity within onehalf mile of a polling place on Election Day is prohibited.
Voting tips
Mark your ballot using the example posted at your polling place and inside your ballot booth. If you make a mistake, do not try to correct it. Instead, take your ballot to the precinct officials. They will destroy the ballot and issue a new one.
You do not need to make a selection for each issue on the ballot in order for your ballot to be counted. The voting device will cast votes only for those issues which you have marked.
Ballots can be read by the voting device regardless of how you insert the ballot into the system. If the system detects too many markings for a single office or question, an error code will appear. The voter can choose to submit the ballot as it is or request a new ballot.
If you need assistance or would like to use the audio-assisted ballot system, let a precinct official know.
