COLUMBUS -- The State of Ohio wants to make clear to voters that they will be allowed to show school spirit at the polls on Tuesday, despite an August incident where a voter was turned away from his polling location.
In August's special election, Lake High School Principal Lee Herman was told he would not be able to cast any ballot for the Lake Local School District levy because he was wearing a shirt with Lake's logo.
When Herman was told he either needed to take off his shirt, turn it inside out, or leave, he decided to cast his ballot half-naked.
While the Wood County Board of Elections stood by poll workers who insisted Herman could not vote while wearing the shirt, Ohio's Secretary of State has since said that the rule was misconstrued. Elections officials and poll workers in Wood County have been briefed on the issue in preparation for Tuesday's general election.
When voters head to the polls in any Ohio county on Tuesday, they may wear clothing showing school spirit. They may not wear clothing with messages that state they are in favor or opposed to any issue or candidate.
The Secretary of State's office says no shirts, buttons, stickers, or other propaganda is permitted inside a polling place. The polls are meant to be as neutral place to cast votes.
Simple rule: If you are questioning whether something is appropriate to wear to the polls, don't wear it.
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