Marked voting ballot selfies illegal in California, some voters say it’s not fair

Some voters proudly posted their ballots on social media but depending where they live it may not be legal. It happened to Justin Timberlake in Tennessee where there is a similar law to California. He removed his post that showed him voting in a voting booth after finding out it was illegal. In California, one election official says, selfies aren’t necessarily written into election codes, but says they do fall into an umbrella making it illegal. “Election code 14291 states after the ballot is marked the voter shall not show it to any person in such a way to reveal its content, and the California constitution states that voting should be secret,” Riverside County Registrar of Voters, Rebecca Spencer said. Officials say voters are allowed to bring cell phones for notes on how they want to vote, but if they see someone taking pictures, poll workers will prompt them to stop. Some voters, on the other hand, say it’s not fair. “I think they should be able to take a photo with it especially in this election when it is such a pivotal one. I think you should be able to support whoever you want and that should be a public opinion,” Brett Gilbert of Thousand Palms said. “This is all a decision to make your own decision and when they force you not to be able to do that then you have no control,” Parry Pannozo of Cathedral City said. While some voters agree they should be able to post a photo of their vote, one says they prefer their privacy. “It’s my decision. I don’t really need anyone else’s influence on it,” Brandon Betit said. Election officials say voters can take photos of anything else like a blank ballot, the envelope or the “I Voted” sticker. But not one that is marked with your vote.