In a nutshell
Chris Smith, code compliance manager for the city, updated McKinney City Council members on its current electioneering ordinance during an Oct. 6 work session. Smith’s presentation included comparisons to neighboring cities.
Electioneering refers to posting, distribution or use of political signs, literature or material, according to McKinney’s website. The city regulates electioneering on city-owned or city-controlled property when it is used as a voting location. Previously, the city has hosted voting locations at places like McKinney City Hall and the John and Judy Gay Public Library.
Smith’s presentation focused on the number of campaign signs an electioneer is allowed to hold and the number of signs allowed to be posted outside a polling site.
“We have recently received a request for feedback considering two items,” Smith said. “The first being allowing an individual to hold two campaign signs of an appropriate size as well as potentially limiting the number of signs allowed at a polling location per campaign.”
In comparison
Currently McKinney only allows a person to hold one campaign sign whereas Plano, Allen and Frisco have no restrictions on holding signs, according to Smith’s presentation. McKinney has no restrictions on the number of signs posted, which is the same as Frisco and Plano.
Allen restricts sign postings to four per candidate and Collin College restricts signs to five per campaign. Collin College’s total applies for posted and held signs.
Council members could vote on any proposed amendments at their Oct. 21 meeting at the earliest, according to Smith’s presentation. If any amendments are passed, council members would have to determine those changes would go into effect.
Looking ahead
Collin County is hosting an election Nov. 4. The ballot features 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution. The propositions were adopted by state lawmakers earlier this year and include measures aimed at reducing property taxes and funding water supply projects.
Early voting will open Oct. 20 and run through Oct. 31, according to Collin County’s website. Polls will open at 7 a.m. for Election Day on Nov. 4 and close at 7 p.m. For more information on the upcoming election, visit www.collincountytx.gov/elections/election-information.
