Before you vote, familiarize yourself with your rights and the rules of the polling station

(NewsNation) — Voter intimidation and confusion over election rules caused a stir at polling stations across the country.

Security remains a top priority for polling officials, but several incidents of violence and conflict have made headlines in recent weeks.

A row in South Carolina reached a boiling point Wednesday when an Orangeburg County poll worker slapped a “Let’s Go Brandon” hat. This is reported by the State Gazette.

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A Donald Trump supporter has been accused of using a machete to threaten a couple of Kamala Harris supporters who were campaigning outside a polling station in Florida.

The conflict escalated in October, when the police detained a man who is suspected of the attack A 69-year-old election worker in San Antonio, Texas.

Meanwhile, two ballot box fires erect in the northwest Pacific Ocean.

Here’s what you need to know before going to the polling station.

What is voter intimidation?

Federal law states that “no person … shall intimidate, threaten, coerce … any other person for the purpose of interfering with (that) person’s right to vote or exercise discretion.”

Many states have their own laws governing voter intimidation.

Examples can include aggressively asking voters about their citizenship, criminal record or other voting qualifications, misrepresenting oneself as an election official, spreading false information about voter requirements, and showing false or misleading signs of voter fraud, according to American Civil Liberties. Union (ACLU).

Know the rules

Campaigning at polling stations is prohibited, but may be allowed outside — from a certain distance.

In some states, these rules apply to the clothing people wear while voting.

Minnesota, for example, bans “campaign t-shirts, buttons, or literature that refers to specific candidates, official political parties, or questions on that day’s ballot.”

You can check your state’s potential restrictions here.

What to do if you experience voter intimidation

Anyone experiencing voter intimidation can report it to the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (682-8683) or 888-VE-Y-VOTA (839-8682).

The US Department of Justice’s Voting Rights Hotline also accepts calls at 800-253-3931 or TTY 877-267-8971.

Voters can also report intimidation to local and state officials. This includes poll workers, county clerks, election commissioners, election supervisors, and state election commissions.

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What about poll watchers?

In accordance with Election Assistance Commission.

The duties of observers vary by state law, but generally include tracking voter turnout for their parties and ensuring compliance with election rules.

Observers are generally prohibited from being in the area where the voting machines or booths are located, or in the area immediately around the desks of the poll workers.

What if someone challenges my eligibility as a voter?

Almost every state has laws that address voter challenges.

In most states, a person has the opportunity to prove his or her eligibility before the official adjudicators. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, this could be a poll worker, election commission, board of canvassers or other election official (NCSL).

Ineligible voters may be required to take an oath, prove their identity, attend a hearing, or call a witness. In many states, appeals are heard in boards or courts.

Some states resolve complaints on the spot, while others may require that a summoned voter cast a special ballot. The validity of this ballot will be determined either at a hearing or during the canvassing process.

In some states, voters who have not met the requirement can request an early vote.

You can learn more about your state processes here.

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