What Is And Isn't Allowed At Texas Voting Sites in 2020

With Election Day nearing, people may be wondering what is and isn't allowed at polling locations.

Here is a look at the most common issues related to voting in Texas in 2020.

Is campaigning for candidates allowed while standing in line?

Yes and no. This really depends on where you are standing in line. Electioneering is not allowed within 100 feet of the entrance of polling locations. Those who choose to campaign for candidates outside of the 100 foot window are in luck this year as social distancing is pushing lines much further than 100 feet. This rule is why clusters of campaign signs can be found near, but not immediately close to polling sites.

Are some people allowed to cut to the front of the line?

According to the Texas Election Code, there is a voting order priority that lists those who may jump in front of others on Election Day. Here are the disabilities and conditions that qualify an individual for voting order priority.

• paralysis
• lung disease
• those who require the use of oxygen tanks
• cardiac deficiency
• the inability to walk caused by arthritic neurological orthopedic conditions
• wheelchair confinement
• arthritis
• foot disorder
• those who cannot walk further than 200 feet without stopping to rest, or without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, or other assistive device

Do poll workers have to wear facial coverings?

Governor Greg Abbot's statewide mask mandate includes exemptions, including voting sites and the people working there. However, a federal judge recently ruled that everyone must wear masks at polling locations. Judge Jason Pulliam stated that the exemption "creates a discriminatory burden on Black and Latino voters."

Photo: Getty Images

Source: KSAT