Bexar County election worker allegedly assaulted as fears about election-related violence grow

A Bexar County elections clerk was allegedly assaulted by an angry voter Thursday at a polling station on the city’s Southwest side, according to media reports.

It’s unclear what led to the alleged altercation. However, the poll worker was treated by Emergency Medical Services at the Johnson Branch Library early voting station and sent home afterward, according to KSAT.

The reported attack comes as early voters continue to cause long-wait times at some local polling stations. On Thursday – the fourth day of early voting – Bexar County again broke an early voting record with 48,653 ballots cast by the end of the day.

Although turnout is encouraging, Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacquelyn Callanen told reporters during a Friday press conference that folks need to be pleasant, patient and prepared when they come to vote, according to MySA.

“We’re asking that more and more because as lines are getting long, obviously people are getting a little more testy for standing in a line,” Callanen told reporters. “We understand, but the officials are doing a fantastic job, and they don’t need to be treated like that.”

Thursday’s reported scuffle comes as Americans brace themselves for a possibly turbulent election day. Indeed, an astonishing 62% of Americans believe the likelihood of post-Election Day violence is “somewhat” or “very likely,” according to a Scripps News/Ipsos poll released this week.

Even so, Callanen assured the public Friday that despite the assault, “our polling sites are safe,” reports MySA.

Early voting, during which folks can vote at any Bexar County Early Voting location, will continue through Nov. 1. Folks can check out which sites are open by visiting the Bexar County Elections Department website.

The polls will reopen for Election Day on Nov. 5.

Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.

Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| Or sign up for our RSS Feed

Related Stories

In San Antonio, House races could determine future of public ed and vouchers

Abbott-induced financial crises in public school districts are at the center of key legislative elections in Bexar County and beyond.

Border 911: The disinformation network profiting off the ‘invasion’ narrative

Dark money and charity organizations led by former intelligence officers and ex-feds have been spreading propaganda and laying the groundwork for presidential election challenges.

Facing election scrutiny, Texas prepares for Nov. 5 with paper ballots and strengthened security

Only a handful of Texas counties will not have all in-person voters cast paper ballots at the polls. By 2026, all voting machines in Texas must produce a paper trail, per a 2021 state law.

The San Antonio Spurs voted early. Have you?

The San Antonio Spurs headed to UTSA’s main campus Tuesday to cast their ballots.

This article appears in Oct 16-29, 2024.