On Thursday, 63-year-old Jesse Lutzenberger went to Johnston Library in southwest San Antonio, close to Joint Base San Antonio — Lackland Annex (JBSA-Lackland Annex) to cast his vote. Wearing a red Make America Great Again (MAGA) cap, Lutzenberger caught the attention of a poll worker, who asked him to take off his cap before entering the building. (Being in such attire when voting is, in fact, violating Texas state law.)
Texas law prohibits voters from wearing clothing or accessories that support or oppose a specific candidate, party or measure within 100 feet of a polling location. The offense of electioneering is a Class C misdemeanor with up to a $500 fine.
Although Lutzenberger complied and took off his hat, he put it back on as he was leaving the library. But when a 69-year-old elections clerk attempted to escort Lutzenberger, he retaliated against the clerk by punching him several times in the face and chest. The elections clerk sustained a scratch on his left cheek, and EMS had to come in and provide treatment. The clerk did return home safely.
Deputies came to Lutzenberger’s residence later in the day, and when Lutzenberger confirmed his identity, he was subsequently arrested. Jesse Lutzenberger is charged with injury to the elderly, which is a third-degree felony. Currently, he is in jail, with a $30,000 bond.
Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen had to chime in.
"As the lines are getting longer, obviously people are getting a little more testy. We understand that, but the officials are doing an outstanding job and they don't need to be treated like that," [Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen] said.
We ask for everyone to calm down," said Callanen. "Our polls are safe, they are safe. Security remains in place at this site. Bexar County Elections has always made it a priority to provide security for our voters, when needed.
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai also released a statement regarding the incident.
Violence has no place in our elections process. This type of behavior will absolutely not be tolerated. We will not allow anyone to disrupt the election process. Election Administrator Jacque Callanen, her staff, and the election officials are doing an excellent job accommodating what so far has been a record turnout for early voting. They are to be applauded for their efforts. The overwhelming number of people casting their ballots are behaving responsibly and respectfully. We want to protect and defend the right to vote for all citizens who are eligible to vote. Let’s respect everyone who is involved in our voting process.
As of this writing, a total of 241,655 votes have been cast in Bexar County. Per 2022 figures, Bexar County has 1,230,662 registered voters. Early voting in Texas ends 1 November, with 5 November being Election Day.
