Southern voter faces controversy for bringing political gear to the polls

SAN ANTONIO – There was some controversy at an early voting location on the South Side Tuesday morning after a voter showed up wearing a political T-shirt.

No political paraphernalia is 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 vote smoothly until an election official stopped him

“The judge there didn’t like my shirt and told me to leave or they wouldn’t let me vote,” Jones said.

According to a Texas state election code, campaigning is strictly prohibited at the polls.

The law says it is illegal to “post, use or distribute political signs or literature” within 100 feet of a polling place.

Only, Jones said, there was no sign that explained it. Southside ISD police were then called.

“The police said there was nothing posted, so there’s nothing they can do about it,” Jones said. “When I was going to vote, he took a picture of me and asked the lady to get me a copy of… my ballot. I told the police… and it’s just not okay to have a copy of my paper.”

Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen said election judges can have their phones at polling places, but it’s never acceptable for them to ask to see a vote.

He also said Jones should have been covered up.

“Some of our judges wear, and they have jackets or sweaters available and they say, ‘please cover it,'” Callanen explained. “For those who don’t have anything, and somebody says, ‘I’m not going to go in there and flip it again.’ Our judges are taking our huge sample ballots and sticking them in the front.”

Jones did not cover himself in Trump’s shirt, but was still allowed to vote after being pulled from the line three times. He said it was the first time he had heard of the law.

“Our constitution, our first amendment, our right to vote, should have nothing to do with what I wear,” Jones said. “Like, 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 equipment of any kind will be allowed within 100 feet of polling places.

He also said he will meet 1-on-1 with the judge involved to ask to see Jones’ ballot.