SLED investigating altercation at Orangeburg County early voting site
Oct 31, 2024
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating after an altercation broke out Wednesday at an early voting site in Orangeburg County.
Multiple videos of the incident have circulated on social media over the past 24 hours.
Video obtained by News 2 shows a man wearing a camouflage "Let's Go Brandon" hat while trying to vote. After being told he could not vote until the hat was removed, he begins shouting expletives at poll workers.
One worker can be heard telling others "We cannot serve him", and calling for the next voter in line.
He then removes the hat from his head and throws it toward the entrance, according to a video obtained by NBC.
The altercation then turns physical and one poll worker is seen hitting the man after he gets close to her. The shouting continues as poll workers and other voters attempt to break up the fight, the video shows.
"It's outrageous to see this type of aggression escalate to physical confrontation toward poll workers, especially when many of our Poll Mangers are dedicated, older volunteers simply there to make our election process run smoothly," South Carolina Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain said in an Oct. 31 statement. "This incident highlights the need to engage more people to work with our full-time election officials to ensure our elections run efficiently and are free of physical intimidation. We urge everyone to remember the importance of respect in our democratic process and to show consideration for the people working hard to make sure everyone in South Carolina has the right to vote."
South Carolina is one of 21 states that restricts people from wearing political apparel while voting in person.
Ballot selfies and campaign merch: What is and isn’t allowed at South Carolina polling places
State law prohibits the display of campaign material within 500 feet of the entrance to a polling place. This includes posters, pamphlets, brochures, signs, buttons, hats, t-shirts, and other items referencing a political party, candidate name, or specific ballot issue.
"If the campaign material is displayed within 500 feet on the grounds of the polling place, Poll Managers can remove the material or require the person displaying or distributing the material to remove the material, cover the material, or otherwise cause the material not to be visible," the South Carolina Election Commission's handbook for poll managers states.
The handbook further states the material must be covered or removed before the voter check-in process can continue.
This story is developing. Count on 2 for updates.