Tuesday, October 28, 2008
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania judge says he’ll rule quickly in a case that could determine whether counties can let people vote if they’re wearing a candidate’s T-shirt or button.
Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson said after an hour-long hearing Tuesday that a decision will be issued soon in a lawsuit filed by two Pittsburgh area elections officials.
They argue the Pennsylvania Department of State shouldn’t have advised counties to allow voters to cast ballots while wearing political attire, such as T-shirts bearing a candidate’s name.
The Department of State said in a memo last month that voters’ apparel doesn’t matter as along as they don’t take additional steps to influence others at the polls.
The memo isn’t legally binding.