• Trying to influence someone's vote at a polling place is illegal in Pennsylvania.votar image by caironbohemio from Fotolia.com
  
  Pennsylvania, like most other states, has laws against "electioneering," or trying to influence someone's vote, at polling places on Election Day. The best way to avoid problems for you or your favorite candidate is to become familiar with Pennsylvania electioneering laws.
  
  

Polling Places

• The Pennsylvania Election Code says that no one may campaign, post campaign signs, or distribute campaign material within 10 feet of the entrance to a polling place on Election Day.
  
  

Other Locations

• If you wish to post campaign signs in other locations, check local zoning codes. These ordinances can vary from city to city and may include size restrictions, permission or permitting and placement constraints in relation to a roadway or drivers' line of sight. Generally, posting signs on public land such as parks, traffic islands and telephone poles isn't allowed. However, campaign workers' holding signs in such places isn't usually a problem.
  
  

Interpretations

• In 2008, poll workers in two Pennsylvania cities prevented people wearing candidates' T-shirts from voting, citing electioneering laws. As of 2010, the case, Kraft v. Harhut, has not been decided. Although the Pennsylvania Department of State contends that simply wearing T-shirts or buttons isn't electioneering, poll workers may interpret the Pennsylvania Election Code differently.