Duval County Elections Supervisor Circulates Threatening Message Calling Him ‘Nazi’

JACKSONVILLE, FL. – With the election day approaching, the security of voters is of great concern.

Duval County Elections Supervisor Jerry Holland said poll workers and election officials receive threats from people about election security every day.

Holland said tensions are high because of the presidential election, but that’s no reason to threaten poll workers or intimidate voters.

Holland said he himself received the threatening text Thursday morning. The message calls Holland a “Nazi” and includes the address of Holland’s son and grandchildren.

The notice was sent to Duval County Elections Supervisor Jerry Holland. (WJXT)

“I received threats. You know, our poll workers, our call center has been swamped with phone calls,” Holland said.

The text message is just one example of the high emotions surrounding this year’s presidential election.

Caleb Williams, 18, was arrested Tuesday in Neptune Beach for brandishing a machete near a polling place. Now he is accused of intimidation of voters.

Voters have protection under Florida law. A person may not “directly or indirectly use or threaten to use force, violence or intimidation or any coercive or intimidating tactics to induce or coerce a person.”

When you vote, it is also important to understand that no one can approach you, give information, persuade or threaten you about your choice.

Despite recent incidents of voter intimidation and threats to poll workers, Holland wants to reassure everyone that they can still vote safely. These are just some extreme examples of wrongdoing.

“We’ve already had over 200,000 voters vote for us and it’s been very smooth,” Holland said. “We continue the process. We think everything will go smoothly, but we are ready for anything.”

Voter intimidation is a third degree felony in Florida and against federal law.

Each polling station has a 150-foot “no-solicitation zone” in which no person, group, or organization can approach you. Call 911 and tell an election representative if you see someone acting differently.

“We have to advise the public if you see acts of violence, if you see things that are disrupting voters or breaking into a polling place, call 911, that’s the first call,” Holland said.