New Law Bans N.H. Voters from Wearing Campaign Pins, T-shirts at the Polls

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The N.H. secretary of state’s office is suggesting moderators have a poncho on hand for Election Day, and not to protect against the weather.

A new state law prohibits people from wearing campaign pins, stickers or clothing inside polling places. Offenders could face a fine of up to $1,000 under the statute, though it’s not clear how strictly the new measure will be enforced.

Deputy Secretary of State David Scanlan is recommending moderators tell voters wearing campaign shirts at the polls to cover up. That’s where the poncho could come in handy, he said.

“Electioneering in the polling place is not permitted generally,” Scanlan said. “If you have the same design on a campaign sign as you do on a sweatshirt, it’s effectively the same thing.”

The legislation was filed by Republican Rep. Dennis Fields at the secretary of state’s request, and it flew largely under the radar this year.