In flip, no ponchos required of some Ohio voters

[April 30, 2011]  MARIETTA, Ohio (AP) -- An Ohio elections board has dropped a plan to give voters a poncho to cover up if they come to the polls next month wearing clothing that promotes local schools.

The board in southeast Ohio's Washington County had announced the poncho policy earlier this month. Board members felt showing school pride would amount to illegal polling-place campaigning on behalf of tax measures on the May 3 ballot for the Marietta and Warren Local schools.

The officials changed their minds this week on the opinion of Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted (HYOO'-stehd). The state's top elections official said wearing school gear was not electioneering.

The board's reversal was first reported by WBNS-TV in Columbus.

Elections board director Peggy Byers tells The Associated Press no ponchos were ever purchased.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.