U.S. Supreme Court Throws Out Laws Banning Political Clothing at Polls

The U.S. Supreme Court, acting in a case out of Minnesota, struck down laws in place in Texas and more than a dozen other states that bans wearing of political clothing at voting places, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.

The Justices said the state laws are a violation of free speech.Sam Taylor with the Texas Secretary of State's office says Texas has a law similar to the one that was struck down in Minnesota.

"Texas law prohibits anyone within a hundred feet of a polling place from wearing anything that expresses preference for a candidate or for a political party," he told News Radio 1200 WOAI.

During the 2016 election, 1200 WOAI news investigated several incidents in Bexar County where individuals were told to remove 'MAGA' hats or turn t-shirts inside out because they proclaimed support for one candidate or another.

"Our office advises election judges to advise anyone who comes to the polls wearing this type of clothing to either cover them up or put them away if they can.

"It is unclear what exact similarities there are between the Texas and Minnesota laws, but it is likely that political clothing will be allowed in Texas polling places for this November's mid term elections.


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