New Jersey voter goes shirtless in protest of political gear dispute

A New Jersey woman caused a stir at a polling station in Hamilton Township on October 26 when she voted in her bra after being asked to remove her pro-Trump hat and shirt.

The incident occurred during early voting at the Colonial Fire House, located approximately five miles east of Trenton.

According to Jill Moyer, chairperson of the Mercer County Board of Elections, the unidentified woman was instructed to either take off her MAGA hat and Trump shirt or retrieve a jacket from her car to cover her shirt. "Before I could finish my statement, she took off her shirt and flung it around," Moyer stated.

Witnesses reported that the woman not only removed her top but also shouted obscenities at poll workers as she flipped them the bird, proclaiming, "This is why I vote Trump."

Following her protest, she quickly cast her ballot and left before police arrived.

New Jersey law prohibits electioneering within 100 feet of polling places, which includes wearing clothing that indicates support for any candidate or political party. Similar regulations exist in many states to prevent voter intimidation.

Reactions to the incident varied widely on social media.

Republican Senator JD Vance referred to the woman as a "patriot," while others expressed concern over her behaviour and the disrespect shown to polling workers.

The debate surrounding political apparel at polling sites has intensified, with incidents across the country, including another case in South Carolina where a confrontation occurred over a "Let’s Go Brandon" hat.

Election officials across various states continue to enforce laws aimed at maintaining a neutral voting environment, but these rules remain contentious among voters.