This afternoon a Federal Judge has shot down three New Yorkers’ petition to snap ballot selfies on Election Day.
Manhattan Federal Judge P. Kevin Castel ruled Thursday it’s too late to change rules prohibiting ballot selfies.
Those rules include a State law against sharing completed ballots and a regulation barring photography at polling sites.
“A last-minute, judicially-imposed change in the protocol at 5,300 polling places would be a recipe for delays and a disorderly election, as well intentioned voters either took the perfectly posed selfie or struggled with their rarely used smartphone camera,” Castel said in his 16-page decision.
The Judge also said ballot selfies can present privacy issues for voters, potentially undermining the voting process.
“In addition, those taking ballot selfies inside a polling place may inadvertently capture the ballots of other voters who did not wish to have their ballots publicized,” Castel wrote.
Allowing ballot selfies, he said, could "also remove a principal guarantee of election integrity that has been in use and successful for 126 years."
Leo Glickman, who represents those fighting for the right to snap ballot selfies, said they will not push for an Emergency Appeal by Nov. 8th.
Legislation is expected to be introduced in the Legislature next January to change the New York law.
Glickman said they would continue to pursue the lawsuit.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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