Electioneering at Texas State

Freedom of Expression

Texas State University is a public institution and supports the free exchange of ideas which includes freedom of speech, freedom of inquiry, and freedom of dissent. Texas State respects the right of individuals to express their social and political views through all forms of legally protected speech, press, and assembly.

Texas State University upholds the First Amendment to the United States’ Constitution.

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Freedom Expression

Overview

Freedom of speech and assembly are essential to intellectual development. 

As an institution of higher learning, Texas State University affirms its commitment to the free expression of ideas as embodied in the constitution of the United States of America; however, these freedoms are subject to reasonable restrictions, so they do not interfere with the University’s academic mission and other essential functions. 

The information on this page to ensure that the free exchange can exist in tandem with the essential functions of the university and the safety of our students, faculty, staff, community and visitors.

UPPS No. 07.04.01 – Expressive Activities Policy

The University Policy and Procedures (UPPS) No. 07.04.01 – Expressive Activities Policy applies to signs and electioneering near polling places during early voting periods and on election days. 

Download Electioneering Guidelines

For the 2025 Election Cycle

No electioneering within 100 feet of an outside door of polling place during Early Voting and Election Day

  • During the time a polling place on campus is open for voting, a person may not electioneer for or against any candidate, measure, or political party within 100 feet of an outside door through which a voter may enter the building in which an early voting polling place is located. 
  • Individuals cannot advertise either by signs, personal belongings, or hold political meetings in the LBJ Student Center during early voting days (Election Code § 85.036). 
  • Be aware that individuals who do not adhere to the election guidelines will be asked to leave the premises.

TXST as a Polling Place

From time to time an area on the University’s San Marcos campus is designated as a polling place for national, state, or local elections. 

The LBJ Student Center (LBJSC) is designated as a polling pace for early voting and election day:

LBJ Student Center (LBJSC)
109 Student Center Drive
San Marcos, Texas 78666

Early Voting: 
Monday, October 21, 2024 to Friday, November 1, 2024

Election Day: 
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 

Designated Outdoor Spaces

Designated Places for Signs and Outdoor Spaces for Electioneering

The Department of Student Involvement & Engagement (SI&E) designates one or more places near the polling place where persons may place signs for or against any candidate, measure, and/or political party. 

  • As provided in state law (Election Code § 62.013), these signs must be at least 100 feet from the outside door through which a voter may enter a building in which a polling place is located.
  • The designated areas will be large enough to accommodate a reasonable number of signs. 
  • To accommodate all signs, the SI&E may limit the number of signs that may be placed in the designated areas by a candidate or by the proponents or opponents of a measure being voted on at all the polling place. 
  • SI&E has designated the LBJ Student Center Mall, LBJ Student Center Bus Loop, Quad Area, Bobcat Trail, and Encino Hall as the locations for signs at the LBJ Student Center polling place.
  • The persons who place these signs may begin placing signs beginning Sunday, October 20, 2024 and must remove them on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 immediately after the election has ended.

Yard Signs

Yard signs are signs that stake into the ground with metal H-frames. These signs will be allowed in the following spaces: 

  • LBJ Student Center Mall
  • The Quad
  • The Bobcat Trail
  • Encino Hall

The following are NOT permitted:

  • Signs with large stakes are not permitted on campus. 
  • Signs affixed to poles, sticks, or other handles are not permitted on campus. 
  • Signs that do not adhere to the policy as listed in UPPS No. 07.04.01 – Expressive Activities Policy will be removed and the owner will be contacted. 

Tabling

Tabling consists of individuals campaigning for a particular candidate, measure, or political party from a stationary location that may consist of a table, chairs, and/or a tent.

  • Tables may be no larger than 6ft in length. 
  • Each table setup may have no more than 2 chairs. 
  • Tents may be no larger than 10ft by 10ft.

The tabling locations are located in the LBJ Student Center Mall, Quad, and Bobcat Trail outdoor spaces.