Election 2016: 'Selfies' Allowed in Virginia Voting Booths

Election Day is almost here. Some Virginia voters may want to record the big event, a la Justin Timberlake, who famously posted a "selfie" voting in his home state of Tennessee, where he cast his ballot early in the presidential election.

He posted the photo online with the message: "Hey! You! Yeah, YOU! I just flew from LA to Memphis to #rockthevote !!! No excuses, my good people!," the singer/actor wrote online. "There could be early voting in your town too. If not, November 8th! Choose to have a voice!"

Wondering if taking a selfie is legal in Virginia? While the laws vary from state to state, it is perfectly legal in Virginia, according to election officials.

Although it does appear the practice could be open to interpretation, if the person taking the selfie is disruptive in some way. (And if you feel like your voting rights are being abused on Tuesday, District Election Officers will be on duty while the polls are open. From 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., any calls should be directed to 703-299-3700, to Assistant U.S. Attorney James P. Gillis.)

Read up here on all the "legalese" from the Virginia State Board of Elections before you pull out your smartphone on Tuesday:

1VAC20-60-30. Electronic Devices in Polling Place.

A. The use of electronic devices inside the polling place is generally permitted. However, representatives of candidates and political parties authorized to observe the election are prohibited from taking photos or video within the polling place.
B. Officers of election are authorized to monitor the use of an electronic device by any individual in the polling place. Officers of election may restrict the use of an electronic device by any individual if that use hinders, delays, or disrupts the voting process; if that use attempts to solicit or in any manner attempts to influence any person in casting his vote; or if the individual attempts to intimidate another individual through use of an electronic device. Whether use of an electronic device by an individual is deemed in violation of this section is within the discretion of the majority of officers of election at each polling place. Upon determination of a violation of this section, the officers of election may (i) require any individual to cease the use of an electronic device, (ii) require any individual to limit the use of an electronic device to outside the polling place, or (iii) remove any individual from the polling place.
C. No voter may be removed from the polling place for the use of an electronic device until after the voter has cast his ballot.
D. The determination of the officers of election of any dispute concerning the use of an electronic device shall be subject to immediate appeal to the local electoral board.
E. An electoral board may not enact any policy that disallows the use of any electronic device by all individuals.

PHOTO courtesy of Fairfax County