Maverick County Voters Should Know Their Rights and Polling Place Rules

By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

Maverick County voters heading to the polls in the November 3, 2026 election should know their rights and the rules designed to protect ballot privacy, prevent interference and maintain order during early voting and on Election Day.

Those rules govern campaign activity near voting locations, cellphone use, poll watcher conduct and assistance for residents who need help casting their ballots. The same protections apply throughout Texas.

For candidates and campaign supporters in Maverick County, respecting the boundaries around polling locations is essential.

Electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of outside doors through which voters enter the polling place. A separate restriction prohibits electioneering and loitering within 20 feet of designated curbside voting parking spaces.

Election officials must post distance markers identifying those boundaries.

Campaign signs and political literature must remain outside those protected areas. The curbside restriction applies to the designated parking space during voting hours, including when the space is unoccupied.

Curbside voting serves residents who cannot enter the polling place without personal assistance or a likelihood of injury to their health.

Eligible voters may request that an election worker bring a ballot or voting machine outside.

They are entitled to cast their ballots privately, free from interference by campaign supporters or bystanders.

Voters should also prepare to put away their cellphones. Texas generally prohibits using wireless communication devices within 100 feet of voting stations.

Recording sound or images within that area is also generally prohibited, including taking photographs or recording videos.

Election officials oversee polling operations and address disruptions.

The presiding election judge on Election Day, and the early voting clerk during early voting, have authority to preserve order and prevent breaches of the peace.

Poll watchers have a different responsibility.

They may observe election procedures and report irregularities, but cannot interfere with the orderly conduct of voting.

Before serving, watchers must complete required state training, present appointment documentation and take an oath against disrupting the voting process or harassing voters.

Identification requirements also include alternatives for eligible voters who lack an accepted photo ID.

Residents who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain an accepted photo identification may complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present an accepted supporting document.

Those documents can include a utility bill, bank statement, government check or voter registration certificate.

A provisional ballot provides another option when certain identification or registration issues arise.

Casting a provisional ballot does not automatically mean it will count.

Voters facing certain identification issues generally must complete the required follow-up with the county voter registrar within six calendar days after the election.

Voters whose names do not appear on the registration list may request a provisional ballot.

Assistance is also available to voters who cannot write, see the ballot or understand the language in which it is written.

Maverick County residents with questions about voting procedures should contact the county elections office.

Questions or concerns about possible voting rights violations may also be directed to the Texas Secretary of State at 800-252-VOTE.