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Purpose
This article provides general information regarding campaign-free zones, political apparel, and campaign signage at polling locations in Maury County. It is based on Tennessee election law and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for legal advice.
Campaign-Free Zone (100-Foot Rule)
Tennessee law establishes a campaign-free zone extending one hundred feet (100') from the designated entrance(s) of a polling place during early voting and on Election Day.
Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-7-111, the county election commission designates the voter entrance(s), and the Officer of Elections measures one hundred feet from those entrance(s) and posts boundary signs at that distance.
Within the 100-foot campaign-free zone and inside the building in which the polling place is located:
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Campaigning is prohibited
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Campaign materials may not be displayed or distributed
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Solicitation of votes for or against any candidate, party, or ballot issue is prohibited
Campaign materials include, but are not limited to, signs, literature, buttons, pins, hats, shirts, or other items that advocate for or against a candidate or ballot issue.
Political Apparel at Polling Places
Voters may not enter the polling place wearing clothing or accessories that advocate for or against a candidate or ballot issue. This restriction applies inside the polling place and within the 100-foot campaign-free zone, as provided by T.C.A. § 2-7-111.
Examples of prohibited items include:
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Shirts, hats, or jackets displaying political messaging
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Buttons, pins, or other wearable campaign materials
These requirements help ensure a neutral and orderly voting environment for all voters.
Candidates Entering the Polling Place
Candidates are permitted to enter a polling place for lawful purposes, such as voting. However, when a candidate enters the polling place or the campaign-free zone, they are subject to the same requirements as any non-candidate voter.
Candidates:
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May not campaign inside the polling place or within the 100-foot campaign-free zone
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May not wear or display campaign materials while inside the polling place
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Must comply with all polling place rules and election law requirements
Candidate status does not exempt an individual from the restrictions set forth in T.C.A. § 2-7-111.
Campaign Signs and Materials
Campaign signs may not be placed within the 100-foot campaign-free zone of any polling location during early voting or on Election Day, as provided by T.C.A. § 2-7-111.
In addition, state law prohibits the placement of campaign signs or other campaign advertising on utility poles or other fixtures of a public utility company, whether publicly or privately owned. See Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-19-144 — Campaign Advertising.
Outside polling locations, campaign sign size, placement, and duration may also be regulated by municipal ordinances or other applicable laws. The Maury County Election Commission’s authority is limited to enforcing election law at polling locations.
Questions regarding sign placement outside polling places should be directed to the appropriate municipal authority or the Office of the District Attorney.
Questions at the Polling Place
If you have a question while at a polling place, please ask to speak with the Precinct Officer, who is responsible for overseeing polling place operations and ensuring election procedures are followed.
On Election Day, if additional guidance from the Election Commission is needed, the best way to contact us is by submitting a ticket via email:
Submitting a ticket allows questions to be reviewed and addressed as promptly and consistently as possible.
