x
Breaking News
More () »

Verifying Texas laws about wearing political attire to the polls

Texas is one of the many states that prohibits electioneering.

BELL COUNTY, Texas — From coast to coast, there's been some confusion as some voters are being turned away from the polls because of what's written on their clothing.

In some states, there's a dress code for in-person voting. 6 News is here to help take a deeper look into these rules and restrictions.

21 states prohibit wearing attire that references a candidate, party or policy while voting at the polls. Texas is one of them.

"This isn't Bell County policy," James Stafford, Bell County Public Information Officer, told 6 News. "This is Texas election code. It prohibits electioneering."

Electioneering is considered campaigning for a candidate, party or issue.

"Even wearing a T-shirt or a hat with a candidate's name on it is considered campaigning," Patrick Flavin, Baylor Political Science Professor, said.

You will be asked to take the item off within 100 feet of the polling place.

"That is the law," Stafford said. "It's not coming from a place of judgment. It's not, 'I don't like your hat'. It's, 'this is a space where something special is happening.'"

It's all to ensure your voice is heard safely.

"Voters will feel undue pressure if, you know, as you're say, being handed your ballot, someone is trying to, you know, convince you to vote for one candidate or another," Flavin added. "The idea there is that it's a secret ballot."

More from 6 News:

Before You Leave, Check This Out