Election Etiquette

Election Day is November 3rd (tomorrow) and if you haven’t already taken advantage of early voting, you will be among many who will cast their vote on Election Day. Here are a few etiquette tips to ensure it’s a positive experience.

Know Your Preferences and Be Ready to Vote

Research all of your candidates before you get in line. Once you are in the booth, be concise and efficient with your timing. Remember there are people waiting in line behind you and a long delay slows down the line.

Ask for Help Immediately

Don’t wait around if you are experiencing an issue or have a question. Elections workers are trained to jump in and help if you have a concern or request. If you need help, ask right away.

Keep Your Preferences Private

Avoid getting into discussions about your preferences and leave all of your campaign gear, t-shirts, buttons and hats at home. According to Texas law, a person “may not electioneer for or against any candidate, measure, political party” within 100 feet of the voting site during early voting or on Election Day. It’s not a suggestion – it’s a law.

Turn Your Cell Phone Off

Show consideration for fellow voters by silencing your phone. Avoid texting or taking pictures inside the polling station. Once you are outside, you can take a picture of your sticker.

No Ballot Selfies

The state of Texas prohibits photographs within 100 feet of polling stations so selfies are not allowed. Photos of mail-in ballots are acceptable. Take a selfie outside with your sticker.

Keep Your Voice Low

You may recognize people in line or run into your friends and neighbors but don’t take it as an opportunity to catch up and visit while you are in the polling line. Keep your voice down and be respectful of others.  

Have a Snack Before You Go

Prepare for the worst by having a snack or meal before you get in line. The lines will be long and you don’t want to feel faint or grumpy while you are in line.

Get Out of Your Jammies 

Casual wear and workout clothes are fine but do your best to clean up and make those standing nearby comfortable while they are around you. 

Social Distance 

Even if you are with a member of your family, keep your distance when standing in line. There are often markers for you to stand on and it’s most comfortable for everyone if you stand separately while waiting in line. Wear your mask correctly and don’t forget we are in the middle of a pandemic.

You may also like Celebrating Fall by Doing Good for Someone Else. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest,  Instagram and Twitter.