Election Day Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of questions and answers to the most frequently asked questions about Election Day issues. If you need clarification about the items on this page, please contact the City Secretary's Office at 817-748-8016.
Where can campaign signs be placed around the polling location?
Please note that Chapter 12 of the Southlake Code of Ordinances allows the Director of Community Services to waive certain restrictions on the placement of signage in City parks. As such, on election day, signage will be allowed in Family Park, just outside of Town Hall. Please click here for further explanation. If you choose to place signs in the park listed above, please note:
- Political signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way.
- Distance regulations from a polling place must be adhered to as imposed by State law. At Town Hall, these regulations, when applied, mean that placing signage, loitering or electioneering for or against any candidate or issue on the ballot within 100 feet of the north and south Town Hall entrances is unlawful. See Section 61.003, Texas Election Code for these distance regulations. The complete Texas Election Code may be found online here. It is also recommended that you check with the election judge if you have any questions on sign placement.
- All signs must meet the requirements of Southlake's Sign Ordinance and be in accordance with HB 212.
- On election day, signs located within Family Park must not be larger than 18" x 24".
- There is no limit on the number of signs associated with an election.
What date can candidates begin placing campaign signs?
The candidates can begin placing their campaign signs in Family Park beginning at 12AM, Saturday, June 14, 2008.
What date must campaign signs be removed?
Signs associated with an election and placed in Family Park must be removed by 12AM, Sunday, June 15, 2008. Signs placed outside of these City parks must be removed within 7 days after the election.
Can campaign members congregate or gather in the park areas?
Park areas are open to the public so long as the usage does not prevent typical park activities (ie. no blocking sidewalks, benches, etc.). Campaign members can congregate on public property as long as they don't impede roadways, sidewalks, or entries into buildings, however, if they plan to use the City parks there are some regulations associated:
- Any tent larger than a 10X10 does require a "Tent Permit"
- Southlake Code of Ordinances: Chapter 12 Parks and Recreation and Chapter 13 Solicitors and Canvassers
- Please note that Chapter 12 of the Code of Ordinance allows the Director of Community Services to waive certain restrictions on the placement of signage in City parks. Please click here for further explanation.
Where will voter parking be located?
There will be 29 parking spaces around Town Hall designated as "Voter Parking Only." These spaces are intended to be used by voters only for short term parking to allow them to run in and out of Town Hall to vote.
What items cannot be brought into the polling location?
According to Section 61.013, Texas Election Code: A person may not use a wireless communication device within 100 feet of a voting station. A person may not use any mechanical or electronic means of recording images or sound within 100 feet of a voting station. The presiding judge may require a person who violates this section to turn off the device or to leave the polling place.
Where are election results announced / released?
Tarrant County will not release the unofficial results at Town Hall on election night. Instead, election results will be released only at the Tarrant County Elections Center and simultaneously on the Tarrant County Elections website. This will delay the release of the unofficial results until the County receives polling information. Candidates are welcome to have someone stationed at the Tarrant County Elections Center but keep in mind the unofficial results released at the Elections Center will be simultaneously shown on their website.
Can I use an amplification system to communicate campaign information?
State law indicates that a person commits an offense if, during the voting period and within 1,000 feet of a building in which a polling place is located, the person operates a sound amplification device or a vehicle with a loudspeaker while the device or loudspeaker is being used for the purpose of: making a political speech, or electioneering for or against any candidate, measure, or political party.
Also, it shall be unlawful to use any type of sound amplification system in a public park without the written consent of the director of community services.
Will there be an area designated for the media?
There is no designated area for the media. They are free to set up in the public areas so long as they do not prevent typical park activities (ie. no blocking sidewalks, benches, etc.) and/or interfere with the polling activity. To obtain a comment from City staff, please call the City Secretary's Office at 817-748-8016.