By Whether voters are mailing it in or headed to the booths, snapping a picture of their ballot could disqualify the vote and potentially ruin their permanent record.
Millennials are known for posting about every single facet of life and, though expressing their right to vote is not a trivial matter, they should be aware of the consequences a seemingly simple ballot Snapchat may have.
In some states, taking a photo of a completed ballot can result in a misdemeanor or even a felony. California’s Election Code states that after a ballot is complete, the voter is not allowed to reveal its contents to anyone (sorry social media).
If an official catches someone, it could result in a nullified vote, where they basically just throw the ballot away. That person would be left with no vote, but, instead, a picture of their sad, invalid ballot.
Californians are also not allowed to take a picture or video of anyone who has not voted entering or exiting within 100 feet of a polling area, according to the code.
The state assumes the perpetrator is attempting to intimidate or persuade a voter to support a specific candidate or to prevent the voter from participating in polling.
In reality, the voter is probably posting a “humble-brag” on Snapchat, telling the virtual world that they are somewhat involved in politics. Or they may have a nobler agenda and are trying to encourage their friends to vote. Whichever it is, they are still in danger of receiving felony charges.
According to the California Election Code 18541, Section 3B, “Any violation of this section is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than 12 months, or in the state prison. Any person who conspires to violate this section is guilty of a felony.”
Other states, like Delaware, have less restricting laws on photographs or video outside of the voting booth. Instagram away, Delaware!
There are voting booths that have posters up in designated areas where voters can legally selfie and Snapchat. So fear not! The social media world can still know millennials voted.
