At 12:22 pm 04/11/2026 I was approached by a Kemah police officer and I allege approximately two other police cars followed this officer. Someone called the police on me for Soliciting. I was Canvassing. After a brief discussion, the officer wanted me to contact the Police Sgt. I declined.
CIVICS LESSON 101
Can Texas Cities Block Political Door Knocking?
No. Political canvassing is protected by the First Amendment.
Photo credit: mikhail-nilov
Political canvassing is protected speech in Texas — “No Soliciting” rules can’t stop it, and the Supreme Court has backed that up for decades.
Case Law
• Watchtower v. Stratton (2002) Cities cannot require permits for political or religious door knocking.
• Martin v. Struthers (1943) Government cannot impose blanket bans on door to door advocacy.
• Hynes v. Oradell (1976) Vague restrictions on political canvassing violate the First Amendment.
• Village of Schaumburg (1980) Noncommercial advocacy receives the highest constitutional protection.
• Texas AG Opinion JM 684 (1987) Political canvassing is not “soliciting.”
Is Delay a strategy that Kemah taxpayers can afford? Bring pressure to stop the delays, get a clear dollar figure on potential financial exposure, and protect taxpayer ‘s “footing the bill”. Will Kemah taxpayers see $200 up to $1,600 per person in liability cost (based on population of 2,500)?
Political canvassing is legal in Texas. “No Soliciting” rules don’t apply to political speech.