According to an article in the blog section of The Courant, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz is stating that voters in Connecticut could be turned away at polling stations if they are seen wearing wrestling t-shirts affiliated with WWE.
“Even though it doesn’t say her name directly…the brand is so ubiquitously associated with the McMahons.”
Ed Patru, spokesman for the Linda McMahon campaign, immediately spoke out against this.
“There is absolutely nothing in the statute that prohibits someone from wearing an apolitical, nonpartisan piece of clothing to the polls. This opinion seems overtly partisan, and anytime the state starts arbitrarily denying citizens the right to vote, democracy itself is under attack. It’s very, very troubling.”
Vince McMahon and WWE also released a statement as well.
“Denying our fans the right to vote, denying them their First Amendment rights, regardless if they are Democrat, Republican or Independent, is un-American, unconstitutional and blatantly discriminatory.”
Update:
We’ve had more readers pass on articles about this story.
Miss Lindsie sent this in: WWE fans in Connecticut cannot vote if they wear a WWE merchandice by Secretary of the State, Susan Bysiewicz. An article from wwe.com has stated and has a quote from Vince McMahon seen here: http://www.wwe.com/inside/standupforwwe/fansrighttovote.
Jason Hughes sent this in: Was browsing CNN last night, you might get a kick out of it, since its WWE related and just down right bull: http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/10/22/connecticut.elections.wwe/index.html?hpt=T2
Rosie sent this in: According to WTNH-TV Channel 8, Connecticut voters are being told that if they wear WWE clothing at the polls on November 2nd, they may be asked to cover up their garb b/c Linda McMahon\’s close association to the company. CT Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz said that polling places are supposed to be neutral. Republicans call this a political ploy. For more information, view this video package courtesy of WTNH-TV:
Full article link:
Bysiewicz: Best to leave that Smackdown T-shirt at home on Election Day
Thanks to Tom Van Stone for passing this along.