Election authorities are warning voters that some political speech is not protected at polling stations

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — As in-person voting gains momentum, Fresno County officials are reminding voters of strict laws that prohibit certain political speeches.

Voters may not advocate or show support for specific candidates and ballots within one hundred feet of polling centers or drop boxes.

“Prohibited actions include loud propaganda, carrying materials with candidates’ names, images or logos. Distribution of buttons, stickers, pens or other materials containing campaign information,” said Fresno County Clerk and Registrar of Voters James Koos.

Koos says his campaign workers are ready to uphold the law. They will ask voters to remove or cover up posters, shirts and flags with candidates’ names and logos.

However, there are exceptions.

“The material that is not in the current bulletin does not fall under this ban,” Kus said. “Slogans are not subject to this ban.”

Officials say the law prevents voter intimidation, which Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittkamp said her office takes seriously and may prosecute.

“It’s not your First Amendment right to threaten people,” Smittkamp said. In addition, intimidation of voters or interference in electoral activities are crimes.”

The possibility of physical threats or intimidation comes amid heightened political rhetoric that officials fear could boil over.

ABC News has obtained documents that the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence sent to law enforcement. Government officials say they are concerned the current situation could lead to election-related violence.

“We are not aware of any serious threats here in Fresno County related to the election on Tuesday, November 5th,” said Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.

Zanoni says his deputies will respond to potential threats on Election Day at vote centers and drop boxes across the county.

Federal officials are also on standby. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has appointed a district election officer to oversee federal complaints of potential voter fraud and violations.

“If an incident that has federal elements comes into the police department or the sheriff’s department, we will refer it to the U.S. attorney’s office,” Smittkamp said.

The district attorney’s office has already received one referral about potential harassment in Fresno. However, officials say most voters respect and cooperate with election workers.