What does the law say about clothing on election day?

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Attorney at law, Warren Cassell says there’s no law restricting anyone from wearing any particular colour at the polling station when they go to vote.
He’s commenting after electors were turned away from the Golden Grove Primary polling station for the St. John’s Rural South constituency this morning.
More than one person was told they would not be allowed to vote unless they changed out of colours such as red and blue which are affiliated with the two main political parties.
Cassell says that was wrong.
He advises, “There is absolutely no legal basis to turn a voter away because they are wearing colours that are associated with a particular party. If it is an issue whereby they are wearing shirts that are issued by that party with the words vote for [a party], that’s a different situation.”
“When it comes to just colours, if it is you are wearin a uniform from scotia bank which is red, or Virgin Holidays, or Royal Bank which is blue, there’s absolutely no basis for turning them back,” he adds.
It should be noted that while people who were dressed in red or blue were turned away,  people dressed in green, orange or black, which are affiliated with several smaller political parties, were not turned away.
After some complaints and public discourse, people were no longer being turned away.
Cassell says there needs to be a different, more inclusive approach to voter education for the polling clerks and other staff of the electoral commission as well as residents.
And, he says this needs to be done throughout the year, even if an election is not pending.
That’s attorney at law Warren Cassell.
 

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