HARTFORD, Conn. — Local election officials in Connecticut are being told they can ask people wearing World Wrestling Entertainment garb to cover it up while voting because it could be considered political advertising for Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon, the company’s former chief executive.
State election law prevents political advertising within 75 feet of the polls. Av Harris, spokesman for the secretary of the state’s office, said the state’s advice doesn’t mean that voters wearing WWE apparel will not be allowed to vote.
“But if the local officials feel it’s becoming an issue, they can tell someone to cover that up or come back wearing something else,” Harris said.
McMahon stepped down as WWE’s chief executive last fall to run for Senate.
The story, first reported Friday by the Hartford Courant and WTIC-TV, drew immediate criticism from the Republican Party. State chairman Chris Healy accused Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, a Democrat, of voter intimidation.
McMahon’s husband, company CEO Vince McMahon, said the state was threatening wrestling fans’ constitutional right to vote.
Harris said California voters were advised not to wear “Terminator” garb while Arnold Schwarzenegger was on the ballot for governor.
