I can wear what I want, say what, and do I want at the polls – it’s a freedom of speech.
As citizens, you absolutely have the free -
dom of speech to support who and what you choose. However, it must be physically out -
side the 100 ft distance marker as described by Texas Law. Texas Law defines "election - eering" as advocating for or against any can - didate, 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, T-shirts, ear - rings, 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.
"I can say or speak however I want while in the polling location." The polling location is a neutral politi - cal free zone. Telling someone, anyone, including children or spouse, how to vote while at the polling location is illegal.
Making comments about parties or can - didates while at the polling location is not just unnecessary but illegal.
If you attempt to communicate, per - suade, or influence another voter (intentional or not) you will be asked to leave the polling location.
The election workers don't make the laws. If you don't agree with the election code, take that up with your state elected of - ficials, the polling location is not the place, and voting is not the time. If you want the information 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 100 feet of the polling location are not allowed by Texas Law.
Leave your cell phones and other wire - less 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, vot - ers' 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 con - sidered as a weapon, including a firearm, even with a legal permit, at home or in your vehicle.
Loitering is not permitted. This in - cludes voters waiting on a spouse or a family member. If you finish voting before your family member, please wait outside the poll - ing location. Pre-plan your meeting spot, but not inside the polls or within 100 feet 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 work -
ers who are providing their time for you.
