What to wear on Election Day? NY voters, dress with care

For those thinking about wearing their politics on their sleeves at New York polling places, here’s what you need to know:
New York law bans voters from wearing anything that specifically refers to candidates or proposals on the ballot.
That means voters are not allowed to wear campaign buttons, hats or T-shirts with candidates’ names, such as Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, according to the state’s Board of Elections.
That ban also would extend this year to any specific reference to the equal rights amendment proposal that is on New York’s ballot this year.
Why? Because it’s a no-no to campaign inside or within 100 feet of a polling place.
But.
The ban does not extend to issues or political viewpoints, according to the Board of Elections.
That means it is OK to wear apparel or buttons with messages about marriage equality, the 2nd amendment, MAGA or ‘When we fight, we win,” according to the Board of Elections.
“New York’s anti-electioneering law was intended to prevent the political campaigns from intruding into the polling place,” Kathleen McGrath, the state Board of Elections director for communications, wrote in an email. “It was not designed to prohibit political expression generally.”
Follow syracuse.com on Election Day to stay up-to-date on breaking news, voter turnout and election results.
Here are more tips to help you during the election season and on Election Day:
An equal rights amendment is on the ballot. Here’s what it would do
When does early voting start in New York?
Who is on the ballot: See the candidates in Central New York