I’ve read a number of diaries here about voters being turned away from the polls if they are wearing clothing with a political message. Well, it’s true.
I am a poll worker in California, a state that is firmly Democratic. The law here is that no person shall do any electioneering "within 100 feet of the polling place." California Elections Code section 18370. The law has been on the books for some time. There is good reason for this. Suppose an Obama supporter was standing in line to vote and everyone around him or her was wearing a McCain t-shirt. And buttons. And a hat. Might someone perhaps feel a little intimidated? The polls are neutral ground where everyone can come and vote without fear of harassment or feeling threatened.
Although the California Secretary of State will not be providing jackets or wraps, poll workers are free to bring them and lend them to people standing in line. There is also the option of turning your shirt inside out. Additionally, all of the people who are worried about voter being turned away can go to the polls, stand 100 feet away and hand out garbage bags for people to pull over their clothes if they wearing anything inappropriate. Poll watchers can do this too.
I've been a poll worker for ten years and I've never experienced a voter being unable to vote because someone couldn't hand them something to cover his/her shirt. I always bring a couple of shawls. (Of course, this is California and no one would think of trying to intimidate voters.) The biggest problem I've had are with people who park in front of the polls with political bumper stickers plastered all over their car and then go to work.