Are “ballot selfies” allowed at voting locations in California?

OAKLAND, California. – You are at your polling station. You are excited to take part in the democratic process. You want to document this moment and perhaps share it on social media. Can you take a selfie at the polling station?

In California, the short answer is “Yes.”

But as long as you don’t violate any other law. Election officials and poll workers ultimately have the discretion to ban selfies if they determine that a particular activity is causing disruption that requires a response.

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State elections officials also note that the photos cannot result in the unauthorized sharing or use of information about how an individual voted.

They also emphasize that taking photos at a polling station cannot violate the privacy of other voters casting their ballots.

Additionally, it is illegal to intimidate other voters or interfere with the election or the duties of election workers.

So-called “ballot selfies” have not always been legal in California or in all states.

California law changed on January 1, 2017, allowing voters to “voluntarily disclose how they voted if that voluntary act does not violate any other law.”

Previously, the Secretary of State’s office took the position that the use of cameras and video equipment at polling places was prohibited.

Here’s an overview of activities prohibited at California polling places:

• DO NOT ask anyone to vote for or against any candidate or vote.
• DO NOT display the candidate’s name, image or logo.
• DO NOT block access to or walk around ballot boxes.
• DO NOT transmit any tangible or audible information for or against any candidate or ballot near a polling place, voting center or drop box.
• DO NOT circulate any petitions, including initiatives, referendums, recalls, or candidate nominations.
• DO NOT distribute, display or wear any clothing (hats, shirts, signs, buttons, stickers) that includes a candidate’s name, image, logo and/or supports or opposes any candidate or vote.
• DO NOT display information or talk to a voter about their voting eligibility.
• DO NOT engage in electioneering; photograph or record a voter entering or leaving a polling station; or obstruct entry, exit or parking

California is also one of a dozen states and Washington, D.C., that have a complete ban on guns at polling places, both open and concealed.

The Secretary of State’s office says when it comes to what a voter should bring with them before casting a ballot, California voters may be required to show ID in some, but not most, cases.

Voters voting for the first time after mailing their ballot application may be required to provide identification if they did not provide their driver’s license number, California identification number or the last four digits of their Social Security number on the registration form.

Here list acceptable forms of voter identification for use at polling stations.

KTVU prepared a comprehensive California Voter’s Guide with key election information and dates to make sure your vote counts.

You can also find a link to our 2024 election coverage Herewhere you can find information about candidates and state and local votes.