Voters in Comanche County should keep the election system’s integrity in mind when going to the polls Aug. 25, said Comanche County Election Board Secretary Amy Sims.
While ballot selfies or taking photos of a marked ballot are legal, voters may not share or distribute the image through social media or by any other means while inside the election enclosure. Voters must wait until they leave their polling place before posting or sharing the picture with anyone.
Improper use of the photo could result in a violation of the law. Voters may not use the image to coerce, influence or intimidate another voter.
Voters should be aware that violating the law has consequences, Sims said in a news release.
“While some offenses may seem minor, unlawful activity on Election Day constitutes a serious crime and could result in a misdemeanor or, in some cases, a felony conviction,” she said. “We want all voters to be aware of their actions and be respectful of the rights of others.”
It is illegal to disclose how you voted with anyone while inside the election enclosure, and you may not remove a ballot from the polling place.
ElectioneeringElectioneering is prohibited within 300 feet of the entrance to a polling place, an inperson absentee voting site, a person who is standing in line to vote outside the polling place or an absentee voting site while an election is in progress. This includes wearing or bringing visible campaign-related paraphernalia into the election enclosure.
The only people who may remain in an election enclosure or within 50 feet of the polling place entrance while an election is underway are:
•Election officials.
•Registered voters who are voting at the polling place or absentee voting site.
•A minor child or dependent accompanying voters.
•Certain exceptions are made for the press, media and people assisting disabled voters.
Voters are reminded that consuming alcohol of any kind or quantity within one-half mile of a polling place on Election Day is prohibited.
Voters who believe an election law has been violated should contact the county election board and/or local law enforcement immediately, while the alleged violation is occurring, Sims said.
Voters may contact the county election board at (580) 353-1880. The office is located at 315 SW Fifth St., Room 206.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Aug. 25.