Here’s How You Can Stay Safe at the Polls this Election Season in Texas

When you go in person to cast your ballot, you don't often think of the safety risks involved. Unfortunately, hazards are everywhere, especially when you put dozens of people all in one room.

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No matter how you vote, it's important to stay safe at the polls, which is why the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds folks of the iWatchTexas app.

What is the iWatchTexas App?

This reporting system was launched in Texas as a way for the community to watch out for each other by reporting suspicious activities around the area.

Mainly intended for criminal, terroristic, or school safety-related threats, iWatchTexas is not designed for emergencies—calling 9-1-1 is still the protocol for those.

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DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin indicated the importance of keeping voters safe during election season, stating:

Our state, local and federal partners are working together around the clock to protect polling places and election infrastructure, but public awareness is one of our strongest defenses. If you see something that doesn't seem right report it through iWatchTexas.

What Activities Should You Report?

If you are at the polls, you can always report the following suspicious activities through the app:

• Someone asking about building security features
• A social media post encouraging or discussing a possible attack at the polling location
• Someone trying to intimidate voters or staff
• Someone physically tampering with ballot boxes or voter machines
• Someone taking photos or videos of security cameras or stationed police
• Attempted cyber attacks on the polling location network

You can report these and other suspicious activities either through the iWatchTexas app or by calling 1-844-643-2251 to take a five-minute, confidential report from law enforcement.

Stay safe, and remember to vote!