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WKSU is looking for the answers to the questions you have about Ohio in a project we call "OH Really?" It's an initiative that makes you part of the news gathering process.

You Can Bring a Cheat Sheet into the Voting Booth, but What to Wear? OH Really? Finds Answers

photos of early voting line at Summit County Board of Elections.
Sarah Taylor
/
WKSU
Bill Rich, Chairman of the Summit County Board of Elections, says a 'cheat sheet' to help decide how to vote is permitted -- whether printed or on your phone.

In Ohio, campaigning is prohibited within 100 feet of a polling place. But what about inside a polling place? We answer some listener questions submitted to WKSU’s “OH Really?”

There have been reports of people stopped by poll workers for wearing campaign attire in a polling place – or sometimes for wearing shirts with a message. Summit County Board of Elections Chairman Bill Rich says if that happens, a voter will be asked to cover up; or, if possible, turn the garment inside-out.

“It would something that advocates the election of a candidate or the candidates of a party. Or voting in favor of -- or against – a ballot issue.”

But he adds, “’Black Lives Matter’ is not considered electioneering, so it’s not prohibited within the early vote center.”

Another listener asks if you can bring a “cheat sheet” into the voting booth – and if it can be on your phone. Rich says cheat sheets are fine, whether electronic or printed.

Tonight at 6 p.m., join WKSU’s Kabir Bhatia and M.L. Schultze for a Facebook live session with election experts to answer your questions. Details are on Facebook.

Kabir Bhatia is a senior reporter for Ideastream Public Media's arts & culture team.
Carter is an award winning multimedia journalist specializing in audio reporting and photojournalism. His work has appeared in NPR, The Washington Post and The Portager, where he works as a photo editor and reporter. His reporting centers around working class issues and the LGBTQIA+ community with a focus on voter disenfranchisement.