MEMPHIS, Tenn. — When I first heard that a Shelby County election poll worker had turned away voters for wearing Black Lives Matter T shirts and masks, I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps he thought the slogan was too political and he simply was being overly cautious. But no. Poll workers undergo training about what is – and is not – acceptable attire inside polling places.
The names of candidates and political parties are not allowed. But “Black Lives Matter” and “I Can’t Breathe” slogans are not violations of local rules or state law. Election Commission spokesperson Suzanne Thompson said the unidentified worker was, in her words, patently wrong – and he was fired. Which was the right move.
The incident happened last week at the Dave Wells Community Center early voting site. A handful of voters wearing the BLM slogans were turned away. And just like that, the story generated headlines across the country – as yet another example of racial intolerance in Memphis.
Clearly the worker had a personal problem with Black Lives Matter. But those words are not tied to any candidate or political party. It is not even a political statement. It’s a sincere call for equal justice, equal access, and an end to police brutality - things that are part of our civil rights.
So I say bravo to the election commission for handling this troubling incident quickly – and properly. And that’s my point of view.
