What to Bring with You to the Polls

 

Whether this is your first time voting, or if you’re a seasoned veteran, it can be hard to know what is and isn’t allowed to bring into the voting polls and what to prepare for when voting. Today we have a guide for you on the Texas laws, as to what is and isn’t allowed.

Identification:

One of the most important things to bring with you is proper identification. Below is a list of acceptable identification:

1. Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
2. Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
3. Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
4. Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
5. The United States Military Identification Card containing your photograph
6. The United States Citizenship Certificate containing your photograph
7. United States Passport (book or card)

If you have any other questions about what is and isn’t allowed as far as identification, check out this Texas Law Help article, here. 

If you forget some sort of identification, you still have the right to vote using a provisional ballot. You can read more about that, here. 

 

Activities/Things Banned at Voting Polls (within 100 feet):

1. Guns, even if you have a concealed carry license (unless you are in law enforcement)
2. Pins, hats, or any sort of attire that is promoting a particular candidate
3. Signs or posters that promote a particular candidate
4. Use of cell phones. Including taking videos, cell phones, or phone calls/text messages

Just leave your cell phone in the car, your friends can wait, your civic duty can’t.

Prep Sheet:

Be sure to bring a printed sheet of paper with who/what you are planning on voting on. Be sure to do your due diligence in researching what will be on the ballot prior to going to the voting polls. It’s also important to remember to either print it or write it out because the use of cell phones is prohibited at the polls. Be on the lookout for our guide on how to create a prep sheet in one of our future blogs.

 

Take the time to read about Texas laws prior to going to the polls, and prepare accordingly. Exercise your right to vote, and don’t let your t-shirt be the reason that you are silenced.

 

-R.W.

Editor O.A