Fight the Smears

Any registered voter who meets his or her state’s requirements to vote has the right to cast a ballot at the polls on Election Day.

It is true that in some states, like Nebraska, Virginia, and New York, wearing campaign gear is not allowed at the polls. But no matter what, your vote cannot be taken away from you. At most, you will have to take off a button or put a jacket over a T-shirt. You will still be allowed to vote. Check with your state’s Secretary of State’s office to learn more.

Political experts are already calling deceptive email rumors to the contrary for what they are — shadowy, harmful voter suppression techniques:

Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, called the barrage of e-mails “a dirty trick” aimed at suppressing Democratic voters.

“It is terribly wrong,” Sabato said. “Tragically, it is all too common. One would hope the people responsible could be caught and prosecuted.”

Since different states have different rules, you should direct any questions to your state’s Secretary of State or county election officials. Election officials in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina have already issued statements reaffirming that wearing campaign gear will not keep anyone from voting.

Don’t let these email rumors keep you from voting or showing your support for Barack.