Ballot Selfies: The Latest Form of Political Expression

This article addresses the use of selfies in voting booths during the election process and whether this selfie usage is free speech or a form of vote buying. Part I explains the effect ballot selfies have on voters and the political process in regards to election fraud versus genuine partisan support. Part II addresses the arguments of the ballot selfie being considered as free speech protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Part III contrasts the previous arguments made in Part II by presenting the ballot selfie as a form of voter fraud and/or voter intimidation which would promote the prohibition of its use in reference to the political process. Part IV discusses whether SCOTUS involvement should be imminent in regards to the conflicting ballot selfie laws throughout the United States, as well as the possibility of banning selfie usage in other governmental processes. Lastly, Part V concludes that ballot selfies are constitutionally protected as political free speech and voter fraud/intimidation should still be analyzed through its use.