Don’t Commit This Crime On Election Day In Texas

As we approach the day where we cast our vote in Texas, the races are becoming a bit more heated, people are arguing with one another more vehemently, and you're seeing as much influence as possible for one candidate or another.

The debate for Texas Senate between Colin Allred and Ted Cruz recently took place, and those two were throwing barbs at each other. When you look at the comments left on social media sites talking about it, so were the supporters of each candidate.

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I will say that seeing the passion people have wrapped around the upcoming election is nice. Yes, sometimes it goes a bit too far, but it's nice knowing that so many people are dedicated to trying to make the country, and state, a better place.

While you can walk around wearing the gear of the candidate you are supporting right now, it's important to remember one thing.

You will NOT be allowed to vote if you are wearing any kind of political gear as you walk into the polling place. It isn't something the polling places decide on, it's Texas law, and honestly, it's United States law as well.

It's called voter intimidation, and it's against the law. There has been a lot of talk wrapped around voter intimidation over the past 6-8 years or so, and it's important to remind everyone it's not allowed.

When we hear the word intimidation, we immediately think of a person in someone's face getting upset with them, or even threatening someone if they don't do what they are told. It's more than that when it comes to the voting process.

Something as simple as wearing a shirt or hat will deny you access to going inside and casting your vote. Imagine campaigning that hard for so long to sway them to your candidate, then being turned away because you couldn't wear a different shirt or hat for 10-15 minutes while you went inside and voted.

Keep it in your car, and throw it all on after you've voted. You can proudly wear it as you move around town along with your "I voted" sticker showing everyone who you voted for. It's fine then, but don't create a scene by wearing it to the polling place.

Please understand, the volunteers at the polling stations are simply following the law. There are MAJOR penalties if they're caught letting someone in wearing political gear. It doesn't matter if it's Presidential gear, Senate gear, whatever. You can't have it on.

I've seen the question asked if you can wear gear from someone who isn't even on the ballot. The answers have been a bit inconclusive, but know that some polling stations could turn you away because it could show affiliation with a particular party.

It goes deeper than just wearing articles of clothing though. Other things you CANNOT do are question voters about their citizenship, criminal record, or whether or not they have the qualifications to vote. That is none of your business and will be found out if/when they decide to vote.

You also cannot physically block a polling place, use any kind of language that is threatening in or NEAR a polling place, and you can not interrogate, disrupt, or follow other voters.

When you go to vote this year, wear some normal clothes. Don't intimidate. Don't influence. We all have the right to make our own decisions, whether you agree with them or not. Let's not make this ugly.