CENSORED IMAGE VIA ORANGE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
The office of Orange County’s elections supervisor says a series of swastikas was painted on trees near the Taft Community Center early voting site, and that the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.
Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel announced the discovery in a news release late last week and said she immediately condemned the display. Her office notified the sheriff’s office and began coordinating with Orange County government and local leaders to have the symbols removed, according to the release.
“These symbols represent a history of hatred, antisemitism, and violence. Their presence in our community is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” Castor Dentel said. “Hatred has no place in our community, and it has no place in our elections.” The release did not say how many swastikas were painted or when they were removed. FOX 35 reported the symbols were removed quickly. No arrests have been reported, but the office is working with the sheriff’s office to review nearby traffic cameras and security footage. Orlando Shine has heard an arrest may have been made at the time of this post, but that has not been confirmed.
The Taft Community Center site and the county’s 27 early voting locations remained open, the release said. It also said voter intimidation is unlawful and that Florida and federal laws protect the right to vote free from threats, coercion, and intimidation.
Early voting ended Sunday, November 1. On Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must vote at their assigned polling location. Information is available at voteorangefl.gov.
