MISSOURI – As voters head to the polls across Missouri, the last thing on their minds may be what to wear. Although one major dress code error could prevent a voter from submitting a ballot.
According to Missouri law, “electioneering” is currently banned at all polls, meaning any person bearing a sign advocating for a specific candidate or issue within 25 feet of the polling location will be asked to remove the apparel in order to enter the building.
Banned apparel can include articles of clothing, buttons, hats, and stickers. Wearing electioneering apparel to the polls and refusing to remove the apparel would result in a class four election offense and be deemed a misdemeanor.
Punishment for the act can result in up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $2,500 or both.
Missouri is one of 22 states across the country that have statues banning electioneering apparel at the polls, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Arkansas
California
Delaware
Indiana
Kansas
Maine
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
In Missouri, electioneering is prohibited at 25 feet near a polling place, while in states like Iowa is prohibited at 300 feet. In Kansas, prohibited electioneering is a class C misdemeanor and punishable up to 30 days in jail or up to a $500 fine.