New York Ballot Privacy: What Voters Need To Know

Tuesday is election day in New York and many voters want to document their participation in the democratic process by taking photos of their completed ballots. However, it's important to know whether or not doing so is legal.

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In New York, the act of photographing or disclosing the contents of a marked election ballot is prohibited under Section 17-130 of the New York Election Law. This law aims to prevent instances of voter coercion and bribery by maintaining the privacy and secrecy of voters' choices. In other words, a person is not allowed to take a photo of their ballot after they've made their selections or when they're inside their polling place.

The New York State Board of Elections specifies that voters are not allowed to use their cell phones or other electronic devices to take photographs or videos inside the polling place, including of their own completed ballots. Violation of this law can result in penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment.

Many voters want to share that they voted on social media platforms, but it is important to remember that doing so in the form of photographing or revealing the contents of the ballot violates New York state law. However, there are alternative ways to express your support for a candidate or engage in political discussions without breaking any laws.

To promote transparency and encourage civic engagement, the New York State Board of Elections and other organizations offer opportunities for voters to take photos outside of polling places, displaying their "I Voted" stickers or holding signs expressing their political opinions. These activities comply with the regulations and still allow people to document their participation in the voting process.

While the intention behind photographing a ballot may be innocent, the banning of this act in New York aims to protect the privacy and secrecy of each voter's choices. By following the guidelines set forth by the New York State Board of Elections, voters can actively participate in the electoral process while staying within the boundaries of the law.