Local News

What Not To Wear When You Vote Nov. 4

CHICAGO (CBS) ― As the campaign heats up there are fears that voters will be barred from casting their ballots if they wear their candidate's t-shirts to the polls.

As CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports, from shirts to caps and everything in between, Obama-wear can be found almost anywhere.

"I have an Obama shirt," said voter Freeman Coats. "I bought it at the Taste so I can show my support for Obama."

McCain gear is not as popular on the streets of Chicago, but you'll find plenty on the Republican Web site and supporters of the nominee are just as passionate.

"I would like to have a cap and t-shirt for McCain," said voter Joanne Serpico. "I am a Republican and I strongly support him."

Some supporters feel so strongly about their candidate that they intend to show their pride on Election Day.

But County Clerk David Orr has a warning. "You can wear it anywhere you want to, but you can't wear it inside the polling place."

It's considered campaigning if you do, and it's a violation of a state rule that prohibits "wearing, displaying or handing out buttons, fliers and other campaign literature..." inside the polls.

"[There's] nothing to say you can't vote, it's only to say respect the fact that this is a place of voting only, no campaigning," Orr said.

Voter Penny Walker said the rule is "awful. It's fundamentally un-American."

Like it or not, those are the rules and if you wear any campaign gear inside the polling place expect an election judge to tell you to take it off or cover it up.

"You could walk outside and turn the t-shirt upside down or say do you mind if I hold up this book while I vote?" Orr said.

Orr says once you remove or cover up your candidate's t-shirt you should be allowed to vote.

If you have any trouble with a judge, call election officials.

Click here for the information on the County's Web site.

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