Is It Illegal To Take A Selfie With Your Ballot In North And South Carolina?
I’ve got to be honest with you, the fact that I’m even writing this is eye-rolling. I can’t decide if my apathy over this issue falls on the side of “Who cares what you do?” or “Why would you feel the need to do this in the first place?” The subject on the table? Taking selfies with your ballot.
Let’s be honest, at this point you’re sick to death of people posting pictures with their “I Voted” buttons/stickers, right? Of course you are. And the only reason why you would say you are not is if you just realized, “Oh yeah, I did post that didn’t I.”
It’s almost as if people are wanting to up the ante on their virtue signaling. And don’t be mistaken, that’s all this is. What makes me look better than anyone who’s already posted with their “sticker?” I know, I’ll post a picture of me with my actual ballot.” SMH
Here’s the catch. Believe it or not, in some states, IT’S ILLEGAL TO TAKE A SELFIE WITH YOUR BALLOT. Now, if you think having a law like this is ridiculous (and I agree with you), you’re not alone. Former attorney and adjunct law professor Gregg Jarrett told Fox News Digital, “State laws that prohibit ballot selfies are silly and nonsensical. More importantly, they are unconstitutional. Such state laws are outdated and have nothing to do with election integrity.”
So, let’s get down to it. Can you take a selfie with your ballot today in the Carolinas? Well, in South Carolina, taking a ballot selfie is considered a misdemeanor, and in South Carolina, the law prohibiting photos of the ballots shows offenders can face up to a year in prison. In North Carolina? Similar to The Palmetto State, In North Carolina, taking photos, videos or otherwise recording the image of an official voted ballot carries a Class I misdemeanor charge.
So, resist the overwhelming urge to virtue signal on social media today, and do what your mom and dad taught you years ago: keep your vote to yourself.
