No ballot selfies on Election Day 2016

California voters will not be able to snap a “ballot selfie” next Tuesday during the November 8 th General Election. That’s because a new state law allowing photos in the voting booth won’t go into effect until January 1, 2017.

On Wednesday, a federal court judge denied a request by the American Civil Liberties Union to allow voting booth photos in this year’s election.

Secretary of State Alex Padilla said although selfies are banned, voters can still use their phones while voting.

“Californians can still use their smartphones at the polls,” Padilla said. “Many voters use their smartphones to access their sample ballot or notes they have made about candidates and ballot measures.”

Padilla added that voters can still take a selfie with their ‘I Voted’ sticker.