The laws in Pennsylvania are unclear whether enthusiastic voters are legally allowed to shoot a photo of their before, or after vote.
Recently making headlines, pop star sensation Justin Timberlake, who traveled to Tennessee to vote, published an Instagram post of him participating in his civic duty. He encouraged others to #exerciseyourrighttovote.
Timberlake wrote in his post:
“Hey! You! Yeah, YOU! I just flew from LA to Memphis to #rockthevote !!! No excuses, my good people! There could be early voting in your town too. If not, November 8th! Choose to have a voice!”
By not only taking a picture, but also by posting it online, he potentially broke a Tennessee law, which prohibits voters to reveal for whom they voted. According to CNN, last year Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed a bill that allows people to use their phones at polling stations for “informational purposes to assist the voter in making election decisions” but prohibits taking photos or video.
A representative for the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office told CNN that the matter of Timberlake taking a selfie is “under review.” The misdemeanor crime of taking a photo inside a polling station is punishable by 30 days in jail and, or a $50 fine in Tennessee.
Nearing the end of the 2016 election cycle, millions of voters will be going to pick their nominee for President, as well as other down ballot races, on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
In Pennsylvania, the law prohibits a registered voter from revealing their ballot. What’s confusing is that officials also recently released guidelines on electronic items in polling places that note recent court cases that found a First Amendment right to take ballot selfies.
Should people who take a selfie at a voting booth be prosecuted?
