With an Election Coming Up Missouri Says NOPE to Ballot Selfies

We live in an era of social media and influencers. Multiple social networks with unique algorithms. So a simple “I voted” sticker may seem to basic, but beware of using a polling place or a voting booth as a setting for outreach per the state you live in. Innocently, a social media post encouraging voting on election day could get you in hot water. You need to be aware of the laws where you vote, regardless of where your post is being consumed.

Tuesday November 5^th is election day across the nation. Yes, get out and exercise your right to vote, but the state of Missouri reminds you to NOT take a ballot selfie.

Each state has different rules when it comes to this. The state of Iowa says they are cool with ballot selfies. In the state of Illinois it’s a class four felony per code 10 ILCS 5/29-9 that if convicted could include 1-3 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.

Get our free mobile app

The state of Missouri addresses ballot selfies by labeling them a “Class Four election offense”. In Missouri that is considered a misdemeanor with conviction for any of these offenses (there is a list of 19 total) an offender shall be punished by imprisonment of not more than one year or by a fine of not more than two thousand five hundred dollars or by both such imprisonment and fine. This went into effect in 2018.

Instead, In Missouri and Illinois wait until after you have filled out and submitted your ballot and perhaps have been given that "I voted" sticker, and take that selfie outside or at your car.

Should you have questions about voting in Missouri, Secretary of State John Ashcroft has an FAQ page.