Persons Allowed in the Polling Location

the presiding judge shall take appropriate steps to provide for the security of the polling place.

Identification

While on duty in the area, an election judge, an election clerk, a state or federal election inspector, a certified peace officer, or a special peace officer appointed for the polling place by the presiding judge shall wear a tag or official badge that indicates the person’s name and title or position.41

Powers

Early voting clerks and the presiding judge of each polling place, as appropriate, have the authority of a district judge while serving in that capacity. This authority enables the early voting clerk or the presiding judge, as appropriate, to use his or her discretion to ensure the safety and efficiency of the early voting and election day polling place and the surrounding 100-foot area.42

Persons Allowed in the Polling Location

The only people authorized to be present in the polling place during voting are:

• an election judge or clerk;

• a poll watcher;

• the Secretary of State;

• a staff member of the Elections Division of the Office of the Secretary of State performing an official duty in accordance with the Election Code;

• an election official, a sheriff, or a staff member of an election official or sheriff delivering election supplies;

• a state inspector;

• a person admitted to vote;

41 Tex. Elec. Code § 61.010 (b). 42 Keith Ingram, Certain Activities in Vicinity of Polling Places, Election Advisory No. 2014-21, (Oct. 13, 2014) https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/advisory2014-21-activities-vicinity-pollingplaces.shtml.