What is electioneering? Here’s what the rules are at Kentucky’s polls

LEXINGTON, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — Election Day is hours away, and hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians are expected to turn out to the polls, where there are a few rules.

"When you go to vote, people need to leave you alone. Let you do your thing. That's what we're policing," Sec. Michael Adams told FOX 56.

Voters are met with signs at polling places that read "No Electioneering," and social media has offered plenty of debate over what's allowed. In Kentucky, there is no "electioneering" allowed within 100 feet of polling places. That doesn't necessarily mean you can't wear clothes for your favorite candidate, but there is a fine line over what's allowed.

"A voter can come in with campaign paraphernalia on a hat or a shirt, but they can't be drawing attention to it. And our election officers know that, and they've been coached in how to maybe direct or redirect the voter," Scott County Clerk Rebecca Johnson told FOX 56.

"What our law is aimed at is making sure we don't have harassment and duress at the polls," Adams said.

So yes, Kentucky voters can wear clothes for whichever candidate they want and discuss politics without actively trying to influence someone else's vote. Ballot selfies are not against the law, and voters may bring notes if you need reminding of down-ballot choices. What voters can't do is ask questions explaining what's on the ballot, and if a group arrives at the polls, no matter how you know each other, privacy is expected.

"Two voters in one privacy booth. You know, this wouldn't be permissible unless the voter was there with their minor child. And so, you know, an election officer might say, hey, everyone needs to have privacy with their vote," Johnson said.

The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; voters who are in line when they close can still cast their vote.