Freedom of Speech & Election Day at the Polls: Thou Doth Protest Too Much

Abstract

This Article seeks to answer the following question: What are the actual limits the government can place on political speech at and around the polling place? In examining this question, this Article argues that some of the current limitations placed on polling-place activities are unconstitutional. Specifically, this Article focuses on the wearing of political slogans and images within the polling room and campaign-free zone and the placement of campaign signs within the campaign-free zone.

Keywords: First Amendment, election law, political law, polling place, polling room, campaign-free zone, speech restriction, freedom of speech, campaigns, elections