Chicken costumes banned from Nevada polls

Nevada banned people wearing chicken costumes from polling places around the state on Friday.

The state election commission does not want the costumes or other poultry-related memorabilia to prevent mocking of Republican Senate candidate Sue Lowden, who wants to unseat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D).

Democrats have ridiculed the former Nevada GOP chairwoman for suggesting weeks ago that patients could barter with doctors for healthcare, like when "our grandparents would bring a chicken to the doctor."

Early voting began on Saturday for the June 8 primary contest. Lowden is considered the front-runner in a crowded Republican field and is Reid is danger of losing his seat, according to elections analysts.

The costumes and other items such as hats, shirts and pins will be banned from being displayed within a 100 foot perimeter around polling places.

Election officials said that the items would allow critics to blatantly broadcast their dislike of Lowden.