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Rumor: I can wear what I want, say what, and do I want at the polls — it is a freedom of speech.
Reality
As citizens you absolutely have a freedom of speech to support who and what you choose, however, it must be physically outside the 100 ft distance marker as described by Texas Law. Texas Law defines “electioneering” as advocating for or against any candidate, measure, or political party whether they are or are not on the ballot. Sound amplification must not be heard within 1,000 feet of a building in which a polling place is located.
• Leave your hats, caps, TShirts, earrings, and any other political attire at home. You will be asked to change, turn your shirt inside out, or leave.
• Park further away from the polling location if you have a flag, bumper sticker, decals or signs on vehicles depicting for or against any person or party whether on the ballot or not.
• If you are setting up signage or passing out information for a candidate or party, look for the distance markers; this includes exit polling.
Rumor: I can say or speak however I want while in the polling location.
Reality
• The polling location is a NUTRAL political free zone.
• Telling someone, anyone, including children or spouse how to vote while at the polling location is illegal.
• Making comments about parties or candidates while at the polling location are not just unnecessary but illegal.
• If you attempt to communicate, persuade, or influence another voter (intentional or not) you will be asked to leave the polling location.
• The election workers do not make the laws. If you do not agree with the election code, take that up with your state elected officials, the polling location is NOT the place, and voting is NOT the time. If you want the information about who to contact or how to contact to get the election laws changed, I am happy to provide that to you at a later date/time.
Certain activities within a 100 ft of the polling location are not allowed by Texas Law.
Leave your cell phones and other wireless communication devices such as tablets, cameras, etc. Want to take a picture of your first time voter? Talk to the election judge and they will tell you where the appropriate place is outside the distance marker. You can bring in a new paper, sample ballot, voters’ guide, or any other form of paper media to help you vote. But please remember to take it with you when you leave.
• Leave ANY type of item that can be considered as a weapon, including a firearm even with a legal permit, at home or in your vehicle.
• Loitering is not permitted. This includes voters waiting on a spouse or a family member. If you finish voting before your family member, please sit outside the polling location to wait. Pre-plan your meeting spot, but not inside the polls or within 100 ft. of the doors.
We respect the freedom of speech, but we are here to legally administer elections and follow all election laws set forth by the State of Texas. Please respect the poll workers who are providing their time to make this happen.
