© 2014 Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. Schools as Polling Places Cristina R. Blanton Senior Attorney TASB Legal Services

© 2014 Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved.

Schools as Polling Places

Cristina R. BlantonSenior Attorney

TASB Legal Services

This information is provided for educational purposes only to facilitate a general understanding of the law or other regulatory matter. This information is neither an exhaustive treatment on the subject nor is this intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney or

other professional advisor. Consult with your attorney or professional advisor to apply these principles to specific fact situations.

Election Seminar for Cities, Schools, and Other Political Subdivisions


Joint Election Requirement

• School districts conduct elections with a county or a city in May or November

• Elections for school board trustees must be held as joint elections under Texas Education Code section 11.0581.

• Joint election agreements may require use of specific school facilities for polling places


Polling Place Requirements

• Must be in a public building if practicable.• The school district must make the requested building

available for use during an election held within the school district’s territory. Texas Election Code §43.031.

• Polling place must be accessible and usable by the elderly and persons with physical disabilities. Texas Election Code § 43.034.


Top Issues for School Districts

• Visitors and voters• Safety of children• Operation of school business• Staff and facility resources


Visitors and voters


Visitors and voters

• Follow school policy for voters who wish to go beyond the voting zone (they become school visitors)

• Communicate clearly and in advance the school district’s policy about visitors

• Work with the joint election entity, i.e., county or city


Safety of children


Safety of children

• Concerned parents- communicate with the school community ahead of time

• Increase presence of teacher or hall monitors during passing periods and in common areas

• Locate voting area away from main campus functions and student presence, if possible


Operation of school business


Operation of school business

• Plan for increase in traffic to school (pedestrian and vehicle) during busy school times, i.e., morning drop off, afternoon pick up, lunch and recess

• Address parking lot concerns• Location of voting area is key• Communicate the district’s policy on electioneering


Staff and facility resources


Staff and facility resources

• Seek parent/PTA volunteers if necessary• Be resourceful with what you have• Communicate your needs to the joint election partner


Schools as Polling Places

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© 2014 Texas Association of School Boards, Inc. All rights reserved. Schools as Polling Places Cristina R. Blanton Senior Attorney TASB Legal Services