Three Important Things To Remember When Voting In Texas

It's voting day in Texas! If you didn't go out and do early voting, then this day is for you.

Personally, I love going out to vote on this day. There's something exhilarating about it. The atmosphere, the anticipation as you stand in line, and the sense of pride you feel after you've casted that vote.

Not to mention the awesome "I VOTED" sticker you get when it's all said and done. I mean, we love to display those things proudly don't we? No matter who you vote for, and I don't care who it is you cast that vote for, just go out and vote.

However, there are a few things you need to remember as you go out. These are either things that will get you turned away at the polls, or quite honestly, arrested. So if you want to make sure you get that vote cast, pay attention.

DON'T WEAR ANY POLITICAL CLOTHING

This is the quickest way to get turned away at the polling station. You most definitely cannot wear anything related to a candidate that is running for office, whether it be a shirt, hat, whatever. Don't promote a candidate.

When it comes to past candidates or people that have held office, I would shy away from throwing it on. It could be an indicator of how you plan to vote, and you will most likely be told to change your clothes before casting your vote.

GET THERE ON TIME

The polling stations are advertised as open from 7 am to 7 pm. There tends to be a little confusion around this and people can get restless in line if it's 6:55 pm and they haven't gotten in to cast their vote.

Don't fret it. As long as you are in line before 7 pm, you have the right to vote. If you show up AFTER 7 pm, then yes you can be turned away. So please be standing in that line before the clock strikes 7 pm if you want your voice to be heard.

DON'T INTIMIDATE VOTERS OR BE INTIMIDATED

This has been a big topic the last eight years, and with good reason. At most polling places, you will find a slew of people holding signs, promoting candidates or propositions on the ballot. That is all fine and well.

However, if you're one of the people holding a sign, you cannot do anything to intimidate a voter to change their vote or make them feel threatened in any way. Just stand there peacefully, smile and nod at the voters, and let the sign do the talking.

If you are a voter waiting to go cast your vote, don't engage in any kind of political conversation with them. It opens the door to potential voter intimidation, and it comes in many forms. Talk about the weather, talk about a sport, but don't engage in political conversation.

It's a big day, one that will help shape the country for the next four years. Enjoy the day, enjoy the coverage, but keep it to that. Let's do this peacefully and properly!