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Rebecca Daly says deputy sheriff was armed outside Saxe Precinct on Election Day; 75 Democratic signs reported stolen
Summary
Rebecca Daly, chair of the Charlotte County Democratic Party, told the Electoral Board that a deputy sheriff stood outside the Saxe Precinct visibly armed on Election Day and that 75 Democratic campaign signs were stolen during the last cycle; she said the sheriff’s office told her the deputy’s presence was known and not a cause for intervention.
Rebecca Daly, chair of the Charlotte County Democratic Party, told the Charlotte County Electoral Board that a deputy sheriff was standing outside the Saxe Precinct on Election Day while visibly carrying a firearm and asked the board to clarify whether that was legal and why the deputy was present.
Daly told the board she had spoken with Major Royal Freeman, Chief Deputy, who told her the sheriff’s department was aware of the deputy’s presence and that because the deputy was on the precinct grounds rather than inside the precinct building the department saw no reason to interfere. Daly also reported that 75 campaign signs for Democratic candidates were stolen during the last election cycle.
The board did not record any formal response or vote on the comment in the minutes. The entry is recorded as a public comment rather than a formal complaint, and minutes do not show the board directing staff to investigate or take other action.
The concern raised touches on two separate issues: presence of armed law enforcement near a polling place and theft of campaign materials. Board members did not record legal citations or a policy response in the minutes; Vice‑Chair Lawrence Clark later noted that several pieces of legislation affecting board operations are pending at the state level and that final rules will be presented to the board when available.
The minutes do not include further detail on the deputy’s assignment, whether the deputy was on duty for election‑related security, or any follow‑up steps by county officials. The report of stolen signs lists a numeric total but provides no locations or investigation status in the minutes.
