If you’re dressed as Pikachu, you are welcome to Pokémon-go-to-the-polls. But if you are wearing a political costume or face covering, the answer gets a little more complicated.
In Texas, political campaigning near polling sites is tightly regulated. State law prohibits “electioneering” within 100 feet of a polling place entrance. Political apparel — along with campaign signs, leaflets and attempts to persuade voters — must remain outside that boundary. There is also a smaller 20-foot zone around curbside-voting parking spots with similar restrictions.
So if you are dressed as Prop. Q or a Pflugerville mayoral candidate, you should change before voting.
If you are wearing anything that obstructs your face, you might be asked to remove it so poll workers can verify your identity.
Early voting runs through Friday, Oct. 31, with some Austin-area polling sites staying open later to accommodate last-minute voters. Select locations in Travis County — including the main Airport Boulevard voting center, Carver Branch Library and the Texas Union at the University of Texas — will be open until 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Bastrop and Hays counties are also offering extended hours, while Williamson County sites will keep their regular 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule.
Voters must bring an approved form of photo ID, such as a Texas driver’s license, U.S. passport or military ID. Those without one may sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and show an alternative document, like a utility bill or voter registration card.
Mail-in voting is only available to certain Texans, including those 65 or older, people with disabilities, and voters who will be out of their home county for the entire early voting and Election Day period. Ballots must be received by Nov. 4, or by Nov. 6 if postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
And whether you’re going as a witch or a werewolf, costumes are welcome — as long as they’re not campaigning.