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Voters Face One Last Choice This Election: To Snap a Ballot Selfie or Not?
In today’s world, we have a lot on our minds—climate change, international conflicts, upcoming elections, and the lingering possibility of a Trump presidency. But amidst all this chaos, there’s a surprisingly pressing matter: ballot selfies.
Yes, you read that correctly. Ballot selfies—where individuals, often millennials (and perhaps even a Kardashian or two), snap a photo of themselves in the voting booth—are now a trending topic. So much so that many states have had to clarify their stances on this phenomenon. What was once confidential in the voting booth is now up for public consumption, all thanks to social media.
According to a report from ABC News, 20 states permit ballot selfies, 18 prohibit them, and 12 find themselves in a murky area of indecision—my personal favorite category. When you look into why some states are undecided, it’s often due to the fact that, while frowned upon, capturing a voting moment can be hard to control. For instance, in Delaware, the elections Commissioner, Mark Williams, mentioned, “We can’t really oversee what goes on behind the curtain.”
Remember when it was a social faux pas to discuss political preferences at the dinner table? That seems like ancient history now—along with record players, which I bet most selfie-takers have never even seen. Today, everything is up for grabs; privacy is practically extinct.
As for me, I prefer a quick and uncomplicated voting process. If I could tweet my vote, I probably would—though let it be clear, that’s definitely not an option! I’m not one to linger for a photo op when I could simply post a pic of my “I voted!” sticker instead.
Interestingly, many states that ban ballot selfies—including New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York—prohibit any display of the ballot to show how one voted. It’s not merely a matter of etiquette; it’s the law! While those who post ballot selfies might not disclose their choices outright, it stands to reason that if you’re eager to share your voting experience, you’re probably not shy about your political leanings.
This election cycle is particularly divisive. You’re either “with her” or against a slew of fundamental rights, and many aren’t hesitant to share their views through selfies, social media rants, or custom T-shirts.
In my opinion, the issue of ballot selfies is minor. Until proven otherwise, I doubt they’ll significantly influence election integrity. Even states that ban them often admit there’s little they can actually do to enforce these laws. As technology—and our desire to share our lives—continues to evolve, I suspect these regulations will eventually fade away. Who knows, if certain candidates make it into office, we might see a lot more than just voting booths go out the window.
So if you feel inclined, go ahead and snap those ballot selfies after you cast your vote. Just be sure to do it after you’ve actually made your choice!
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In summary, while the act of taking a ballot selfie may seem frivolous amidst major political concerns, it reflects a larger shift towards transparency and expression in the voting process. With laws varying across states and the public’s growing willingness to share personal moments, this election, voters will have to decide: to selfie or not to selfie.