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Taking a ballot selfie? Not so fast. Here are the states with laws against them
Louisiana is among 17 states with ballot-selfie laws, and officials warn voters that signs at polling places may prohibit photos or video.
As voters head to the polls on Election Day, laws regarding "ballot selfies" vary significantly across the country. The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that 17 states have specific legislation addressing whether voters can photograph their ballots.
Louisiana outright bans ballot pictures, with signs at polling locations warning voters against the practice. Texas election officials restrict recording images or sound within 100 feet of a voting station to maintain security.
Alabama allows voters to photograph their ballot as long as they do not disclose the content of any other voter's ballot or disrupt the voting process. Michigan permits ballot photos in the booth but restricts holding them up for a selfie.
Minnesota officials discourage recording at polling places despite lacking a specific prohibition. Polling locations often post signs warning voters against photography to ensure compliance with state laws.
Recording a marked ballot could violate state law; however, officials emphasize that selfies are allowed and "encouraged" outside the polling location. Voters should verify local regulations before attempting to capture images.