As the election draws near, there are countless pressing issues to mull over—from climate change to global tensions and the political landscape. Yet, amidst all the chaos, a quirky concern has emerged: ballot selfies.
Yes, you heard right! The trend of snapping a selfie with your ballot inside the voting booth has gained traction, particularly among millennials and social media enthusiasts. So much so that many states have had to create regulations surrounding this phenomenon. Gone are the days when what transpired in the voting booth remained private—thanks to the rise of social media!
According to a recent ABC News report, 20 states permit ballot selfies, 18 explicitly prohibit them, and 12 remain in a state of legal limbo, which might be the most entertaining category of all. For instance, Delaware has a ban on phones in voting booths, but as Elections Commissioner Elaine Manlove pointed out, “I don’t know that we can control what happens behind the curtain.”
Remember when discussing politics was off-limits—like the unspoken rule at family dinners or office gatherings? Those days seem as distant as rotary phones. Nowadays, thanks to technology and an insatiable need to share everything online, privacy is a thing of the past, even in the realm of voting.
As for me, I prefer a speedy voting process. If I could tweet my vote, I totally would! (Disclaimer: you absolutely cannot tweet your vote. Anyone suggesting otherwise is likely trying to pull a fast one!) I’m not about to delay my voting experience for a picture; I’d rather post a photo of myself with an “I voted!” sticker instead.
Interestingly, states that ban ballot selfies, including New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York, have laws against showing your ballot to indicate how you voted. It’s not just about good manners; it’s the law! Although those taking ballot selfies may not reveal their choices, one could argue that if they’re taking a photo to showcase their voting experience, they’re probably not shy about their preferences.
This election season is undeniably divisive. You’re either “with her” or against a range of civil rights issues. And whether you express that through a social media photo, a Facebook rant, or a bold T-shirt, it’s clear people are willing to voice their opinions loud and proud.
In my view, the ballot selfie issue isn’t monumental. Unless someone can provide concrete evidence that these selfies affect election integrity, I doubt it’ll become a significant concern. Even states that ban them often concede they have little power to enforce these rules. As technology and our need for validation evolve, these laws might eventually fade away. Who knows? If things go south politically, we might even see a complete overhaul of voting as we know it.
So, go ahead and take a hundred ballot selfies—just make sure you do it after casting your vote. And if you’re curious about home insemination, check out this post on intracervical insemination, or learn more at Make a Mom, an authority on the subject. For excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Hopkins Medicine.
Summary: With the election approaching, voters have the quirky dilemma of whether or not to take a ballot selfie. While 20 states permit this practice, many others have laws against it, leaving some in a gray area of legality. As social media continues to influence how we share our lives, voting has become less private, sparking a debate about the appropriateness of ballot selfies. Ultimately, voters are encouraged to snap their selfies—just not until after they’ve cast their votes.