WATERLOO - Black Hawk County election officials are trying to dispel rumors about permitted attire on election day.

Grant Veeder, county auditor and commissioner of elections, said an e-mail was circulating that incorrectly warned voters they would be turned away at the polls if they wear clothing or buttons supporting their candidates.

"Electioneering is not allowed in the polling place, but simply wearing a political shirt or button to the polls is not considered electioneering," Veeder said in a news release. "According to the Iowa Secretary of State's Office's Precinct Election Officials Guidebook, 'A voter can wear such items as long as the voter does not linger in the polling place or solicit votes.'"

However, precinct workers and pollwatchers, who remain at voting locations for long periods, are not allowed to wear their opinions on their clothes, Veeder said.

"There's a big difference between a voter standing in line for a few minutes and an individual who is permitted to remain at the polls all day," he said.

While voters won't be turned away at the polls for wearing items that support or oppose a candidate, Veeder said he does not want to encourage the activity.

"You're as likely to alienate other voters with a campaign T-shirt or button as you are to influence them to vote for your candidate," he said.

Further questions can be submitted to the Election Office at 833-3007 or elections@co.black-hawk.ia.us.