Trump T-shirt Controversy: Interview with man who was confronted by an election official
There was some controversy at an early voting spot on the South Side Tuesday morning after a voter showed up in a political t-shirt. Political gear isn't allowed within 100 feet of the polls. Jason Jones walked into the Southside ISD administration building Tuesday morning wearing a Donald Trump T-shirt. He said he expected to cast his ballot with no problems until he was stopped by an election official. "The judge there didn't like my shirt and told me to leave or they're not gonna let me vote," Jones said. According to a Texas state election code, electioneering is strictly forbidden at the polls. The law says it's illegal to 'post, use or distribute political signs or literature' within 100 feet of a polling place. Jones said there was no sign explaining that. Then Southside ISD police were called. "The cops said there's nothing posted, so they can't do nothing about it," Jones said. "When I was going to vote, [the judge] took a picture of me and asked the lady to get a copy of... my ballot. I told the cops about it... and it's just not right having a copy of my ballot." Bexar County elections administrator Jacque Callanen said election judges are allowed to have their phones at polling locations, but, it's never acceptable for them to ask to see a ballot. She also said Jones should've been made to cover up. "Some of our judges carry, and have available, jackets or sweaters and say, 'please cover it up'," Callanen explained. "For those who don't have anything, and somebody is just like, 'I'm not going to go in there and turn it around again.' Our judges are taking our huge sample ballots and taping them to the front of it." Jones did not cover his Trump shirt but was still allowed to vote after being pulled from the line three times. He said this was the first time he'd heard of the law at all. "Our constitution, our first amendment, our right to vote, should have nothing to do with what I wear," Jones said. "Like, it's just wearing this shirt is my right and my right to vote. It's that simple." Callanen said Jones will not face any consequences for what happened today. She reminds voters that no political gear of any kind will be allowed within 100 feet of polling locations. She also said she'll meet 1-on-1 with the judge involved about requesting to see Jones' ballot. Get the full story and more at https://katv.com/ ----------------------------------------- Stay up to date with our social media: KATV Channel 7 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KATVChannel7 KATV Channel 7 on X: https://twitter.com/KATVNews KATV Channel 7 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katvnews/ Subscribe to KATV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDwapMWqoitI9Wv6nA7AYw Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: newsroom@katv.com Call the Newsroom: 501.324.7760 For more information, visit https://katv.com/ KATV Channel 7 is the local #ABC affiliate serving the central #Arkansas area. From our studios in #LittleRock, Ark. KATV covers national and local news, sports, and weather. This video and all #Sinclair Broadcast Group content archives of local news and sports coverage are available for your use. For more information, contact us at contentsales@sbgtv.com. #KATV #KATVChannel7 #Channel7News #ARnews #breakingnews #breaking #news #ARpx #politics #ARleg #legislature #ARed #education #ARwx #weather #7OnYourSide #7OYS #HogCentral #sports #community #advocacy #crime #violence #living
