By KZRG Radio
Missouri voters are being cautioned not to use the voting booth as a photo booth on Election Day. In the age of social media, some voters have posted pictures online showing their completed ballot. However, Missouri law prohibits voters from allowing others to see a ballot if the intent is to show how they voted.
Missouri ballot selfies prohibited on Election Day
In southern Missouri’s Jasper County, Clerk Marilyn Baugh tells KZRG Radio that photographing completed ballots could pose legal issues for voters.
“That’s actually a Class IV election offense,” Baugh said. “They could be prosecuted. Convictions of any of those offenses shall be punished by imprisonment not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than $2,500 or both.”
Baugh says Jasper County precincts will post signs advising voters not to use cell phones or take photographs while in the voting booth area. She adds that if poll workers witness any unauthorized photography, they will advise voters to delete the photographs or face being reported to election officials.
Voters with questions about the legality of photographing completed ballots should contact their local voting office.
