Malcolm Rivera
Campaign buttons are a form of political advertising for or against a candidate, political party, or issue. They are particularly popular in the United States and have been used since the time of President George Washington. In the modern era, they are typically pins with graphics or slogans that are fastened to garments. While campaign buttons are a common form of political expression, there are certain situations in which wearing them may be restricted. For example, federal employees are generally prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity while on duty, in a federal facility, wearing a uniform, or using government vehicles or equipment. Additionally, laws and regulations regarding wearing campaign buttons to polling places vary across states in the US, with some states prohibiting their use inside polling places to prevent campaigning near the polls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wearing campaign buttons | Considered a political activity |
| Campaign buttons as a hobby | Collecting campaign buttons is a hobby for some, with some buttons being valuable collector's items |
| Campaign buttons in the U.S. | Campaign buttons are particularly popular in the U.S. and date as far back as President George Washington |
| Campaign buttons in Canada | Campaign buttons are less prominent in Canadian politics |
| Wearing campaign buttons in a voting booth | Whether or not it is allowed depends on the state; in some states, voters may be asked to cover up or go home and change |
| Wearing campaign buttons for federal employees | Federal employees are not allowed to wear partisan political buttons while on duty, in a federal facility, wearing a uniform, or using a government vehicle |
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What You'll Learn
Wearing campaign buttons at polling places
Campaign buttons are a form of political advertising for or against a candidate, political party, or issue. In the United States, wearing campaign buttons is a popular way to express support for a candidate or political party during an election. However, there are certain places and situations where wearing campaign buttons or other forms of political expression may be restricted, such as in polling places.
It is important to note that these restrictions apply to both voters and individuals associated with campaigns or organizations. Anyone wearing campaign materials within the restricted area may be asked to leave the polling place and could be prevented from voting until they remove or replace their clothing or accessories displaying political affiliation.
While the majority of states have these restrictions in place, there are still states that do not have specific guidelines on what voters can wear to polling places. However, even in these states, it is generally understood that displaying campaign materials, signs, banners, or literature within or near polling places is not allowed. These regulations aim to create a neutral voting environment, free from direct political influence, and ensure that voters make their choices without coercion or pressure from other voters.
In summary, wearing campaign buttons at polling places is generally not permitted in states with electioneering laws, and it is important for voters to be aware of these restrictions to avoid any issues when casting their ballots.
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History of campaign buttons
Campaign buttons, or pin-back buttons, are pins used during an election to promote or oppose a candidate, a political party, or a particular issue. They are particularly popular in the United States, with buttons dating as far back as President George Washington's time. In the late 18th and first half of the 19th century, they were sewn-on clothing buttons, while modern buttons typically have pins on the back.
The first ""modern"" campaign button appeared during the 1896 presidential election between William McKinley and William Jennings Bryan. These buttons were made of celluloid, an early form of plastic, with a metal pin attached to the back. This new, cheaper production process marked the beginning of the modern campaign button. The 1896 election saw a variety of colourful buttons with inscriptions and photos of the candidates.
The first mass-produced metal buttons also date to the 1896 McKinley campaign, with one side of a metal disk covered in paper and protected by clear plastic. Since 1916, buttons have also been produced by printing images directly onto the metal disk, known as lithograph buttons. These are still common today, sometimes with a thin layer of plastic coating to protect the image.
Campaign buttons have become collectible items, with some buttons being worth thousands of dollars. The value of a button depends on its rarity, age, and connection to significant historical events. For example, a rare button from the 1920 election campaign of James Cox and Franklin Roosevelt can be worth up to $75,000.
Over time, campaign buttons have evolved to include flashers, which display two images depending on the viewing angle, and holographic buttons, which became popular in the 1950s-1970s. Today, "web buttons" are also used, which Internet users can place on their personal websites. Despite the rise of digital alternatives, campaign buttons remain a tangible part of U.S. political history and are still produced and collected today.
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Campaign buttons as a hobby
Campaign buttons are a form of political advertising for a candidate, political party, or issue. They are particularly popular in the United States, dating as far back as President George Washington. These buttons are usually worn to show support for a particular candidate or party during an election. However, they can also be collected as a hobby, with some people dedicating their time to collecting, preserving, and studying these buttons.
Campaign buttons have evolved over time, starting as sewn-on clothing buttons in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Today, most buttons have pins on the back, making them pin-back buttons. The first photographic image on a pin dates back to 1860, with Abraham Lincoln and his opponents using the tintype or ferrotype photo process.
The American Political Items Collectors is a non-profit organization that promotes the collection, preservation, and study of campaign buttons and other political memorabilia. The Harvard Kennedy School library now holds a collection of thousands of buttons, with the most valuable being a rare button from the 1920 presidential election featuring James M. Cox and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Some notable examples of campaign buttons include the "Reagan '80" button from 1980, the "Gore 2000" button from 2000, and the "For America" George Bush and Dick Cheney button from 2004. These buttons not only serve as political advertisements but also as collectible items for enthusiasts.
While wearing a campaign button can be a form of political expression, it is important to note that laws and guidelines regarding their use vary, especially in certain settings such as voting booths. In some states, voters may be asked to cover up or remove their campaign buttons before casting their ballots.
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Types of campaign buttons
Campaign buttons are a type of pin used during an election to show support for or against a candidate, political party, or issue. They are particularly popular in the United States, with a history dating back to President George Washington. Over time, the technology used to create and mass-produce campaign buttons has evolved, and they have taken on different forms. Here are some types of campaign buttons:
- Sewn-on clothing buttons: In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, campaign buttons were typically sewn directly onto clothing.
- Pin-back buttons: Modern campaign buttons usually have pins on the back, making them easy to attach to garments or accessories.
- Celluloid-type buttons: These buttons are made of celluloid and fastened with a pin that secures into a safety-pin-style catch.
- Lithographed buttons: Lithographed buttons can be fastened with a pin or a metal tab that folds over a lapel or pocket. They are known for their rapid production and response to current events.
- Web buttons: Graphical campaign buttons or "web buttons" can be placed on personal websites and distributed widely at a low cost.
- Bumper stickers: While not exactly a type of button, bumper stickers are often mentioned in the context of campaign buttons due to their similar use in political advertising.
Campaign buttons are also collected as novelty items, with organizations like the American Political Items Collectors dedicated to their preservation and study.
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Campaign buttons and free speech
Campaign buttons are a form of political advertising for (or against) a candidate, political party, or issue. They are particularly popular in the United States, with a history dating back to President George Washington. These buttons are typically worn to express support for a candidate or political cause. While wearing a campaign button is a form of free speech, there are certain contexts in which wearing one may be restricted to preserve impartiality and avoid influencing others.
For example, federal employees are generally prohibited from engaging in partisan political activity while on duty, in a federal facility, wearing a uniform, or using a government vehicle. This includes wearing partisan political buttons or displaying them on personal items like T-shirts or bags. These restrictions aim to maintain a neutral environment in federal workplaces and when employees are officially representing the government.
In the context of elections, the rules regarding campaign buttons can vary from state to state. In some states, voters may be asked to cover up their buttons or even be turned away and asked to go home and change before casting their ballot. This is to prevent any potential influence on other voters at the polling place, as campaigning is not allowed within a certain distance of the polls. However, these restrictions may raise concerns about limiting an individual's right to free speech and expression.
The line between free speech and political activity can be blurry, especially with the rise of social media and online expression. While wearing a campaign button in one's personal capacity generally falls under free speech, using that button as part of a coordinated campaign effort or in a way that influences one's official duties could cross the line into political activity. Ultimately, the context and intent behind wearing a campaign button can significantly shape how it is perceived and the potential legal implications.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, wearing a campaign button is a form of political activity as it is used as political advertising for or against a candidate, political party, or issue.
It depends on where you are. In the US, it depends on the state you are in. Some states prohibit wearing campaign buttons inside polling places. In Canada, electoral law does not allow anyone at a polling station to wear or carry anything that identifies them as a supporter or opponent of any political cause.
No, federal employees are not allowed to wear partisan political buttons while on duty, in a federal facility, wearing a uniform or official insignia, or using a government vehicle.
This depends on where you are. In Canada, clothing that is political but does not support or attack a party may be allowed. In the US, it depends on the state.
