New Hampshire regulates campaign clothing and election-related displays under RSA 652:16-h and RSA 659:43. These statutes define electioneering and establish restrictions within polling place buildings and designated areas surrounding their entrances.



Electioneering includes visibly displaying or communicating information that a reasonable person would understand as explicitly supporting or opposing an electoral choice. The definition covers clothing, accessories, printed materials, and certain other communications.



Items covered by electioneering restrictions include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Shirts or jackets displaying election-related advocacy.</li>



<li>Hats and caps containing prohibited messages.</li>



<li>Buttons, pins, and stickers promoting ballot choices.</li>



<li>Posters, banners, placards, and handheld signs.</li>



<li>Flyers and other printed election materials.</li>



<li>Accessories displaying election-related slogans or symbols.</li>
</ul>



Not every message printed on clothing automatically qualifies as electioneering. The content must meet the applicable statutory definition, which focuses on explicit advocacy concerning an electoral choice.

What Are New Hampshire's Campaign Clothing Rules?

Can You Wear a Campaign Shirt to Vote?

Hats, buttons, pins, and similar accessories are subject to the same general electioneering restrictions as shirts. Their size does not automatically exempt them from the law.



For example, a small button displaying explicit electoral advocacy may qualify as electioneering even though it is less noticeable than a large printed shirt.



Election officials may request that voters remove, conceal, or cover prohibited accessories while inside the polling place.

Are Campaign Hats and Buttons Allowed?

RSA 652:16-h defines electioneering as visibly displaying or audibly communicating information that a reasonable person would believe explicitly advocates for or against an electoral choice.



The definition covers more than clothing. It also applies to distributing printed materials, displaying signs, and conducting certain expressly political surveys.

What Is Electioneering in New Hampshire?

Where Is Electioneering Prohibited?

Campaign signs may be displayed in permitted areas outside the no-electioneering corridor. However, New Hampshire establishes restrictions on how signs may be placed and maintained.



Under RSA 659:43, electioneering signs cannot be attached to polling place buildings or grounds. Signs also cannot be left unattended.



A person holding an election-related sign must remain outside the prohibited corridor and comply with applicable municipal regulations.

Are Campaign Signs Allowed Outside Polling Places?

Can Someone Hand Out Flyers Near a Polling Place?

What About Campaign Messages on Vehicles?

Who Enforces Campaign Clothing Rules?

Can You Be Prevented From Voting Because of Clothing?

Residents who encounter prohibited electioneering or interference at a polling location can notify the moderator or another authorized election official.



The moderator can evaluate whether conduct violates the designated boundaries or other applicable restrictions.



Voters should avoid confronting individuals or attempting to enforce election laws themselves.

What Should Voters Do if They See a Possible Violation?

New Hampshire&#8217;s general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Reviewing polling place conduct requirements beforehand can help residents avoid confusion when arriving to vote.

How Can Voters Prepare for Election Day?

Frequently Asked Questions About Campaign Clothing

Understanding campaign clothing restrictions, electioneering corridors, and sign rules helps residents recognize permitted conduct at polling places. Before November 3, 2026, explore the <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/votenewhampshire">New Hampshire voting guide</a>, <a href="http://tpaction.com/Vote">Register to Vote</a>, and use the <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/plan">Plan to Vote</a> resource to organize your Election Day arrangements.



Volunteering provides opportunities to support voter registration and community election information activities. Residents interested in participating can <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/commit100">VOLUNTEER WITH US</a> to learn about available opportunities, while those seeking additional voter education and community activities can <a href="https://www.tpaction.com/getinvolved">get involved</a>.

Get Ready for New Hampshire Election Day

Learn about New Hampshire polling place rules for campaign shirts, hats, buttons, and signs, including electioneering limits and official guidance.

New Hampshire Polling Place Campaign Clothing Rules

What Are New Hampshire's Campaign Clothing Rules?

Can You Wear a Campaign Shirt to Vote?

Are Campaign Hats and Buttons Allowed?

What Is Electioneering in New Hampshire?

Where Is Electioneering Prohibited?

Are Campaign Signs Allowed Outside Polling Places?

Can Someone Hand Out Flyers Near a Polling Place?

What About Campaign Messages on Vehicles?

Who Enforces Campaign Clothing Rules?

Can You Be Prevented From Voting Because of Clothing?

What Should Voters Do if They See a Possible Violation?

How Can Voters Prepare for Election Day?

Frequently Asked Questions About Campaign Clothing

Can I wear a campaign T-shirt inside a polling place?

Are election-related buttons prohibited?

Is electioneering prohibited within ten feet of the entrance?

Can signs be placed on polling place property?

Can someone distribute election flyers outside?

Who should I contact about a violation?

Get Ready for New Hampshire Election Day

RioSlum Studio

New Hampshire Polling Place Campaign Clothing Rules

What Are New Hampshire's Campaign Clothing Rules?

Can You Wear a Campaign Shirt to Vote?

Are Campaign Hats and Buttons Allowed?

What Is Electioneering in New Hampshire?

Where Is Electioneering Prohibited?

Are Campaign Signs Allowed Outside Polling Places?

Can Someone Hand Out Flyers Near a Polling Place?

What About Campaign Messages on Vehicles?

Who Enforces Campaign Clothing Rules?

Can You Be Prevented From Voting Because of Clothing?

What Should Voters Do if They See a Possible Violation?

How Can Voters Prepare for Election Day?

Frequently Asked Questions About Campaign Clothing

Can I wear a campaign T-shirt inside a polling place?

Are election-related buttons prohibited?

Is electioneering prohibited within ten feet of the entrance?

Can signs be placed on polling place property?

Can someone distribute election flyers outside?

Who should I contact about a violation?

Get Ready for New Hampshire Election Day