Montana Voting Laws: Can You Take a Selfie with Your Ballot?
For good or for bad, social media is a big part of peoples lives these days. People want to document and share most parts of their lives. There are times these days where people may even overshare.
The upcoming election is going to be another opportunity for people to share. There have already been pictures of the "I Voted" sticker that have shown up on my social media feeds.
If you are planning on taking a selfie while you are voting in Montana you are allowed to do so. Montana law does not specifically prohibit voters from taking pictures of themselves with their marked ballots, unlike other states where doing so could result in penalties.
However, there are still precautions in place. The state’s voting guidelines advise against photographing or recording others within polling places to avoid issues of voter intimidation or privacy violations. This aims to maintain the integrity and privacy of the voting environment, where every individual should feel secure in their choices. There are some other things you may need to be aware of if you are voting in the next election.
Read More: From Outfit to Your Record: 3 Things Montana Voters Need to Know
Montana’s approach highlights a balance between embracing modern technology and preserving traditional voting values. Election officials encourage voters to be respectful and considerate, advising them not to disrupt the voting process while capturing their moment. Voters who take ballot selfies are reminded not to reveal how others voted, as doing so might violate another’s privacy rights. There are some states that have laws on the books against ballot selfies, like Arizona and Texas, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
If you are planning on voting in person in the next election, remember to be kind and respectful of the volunteers that are helping out with the process.
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