Border Patrol Agents Vote at Tallahassee Library Before Leaving State

Two U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents cast early votes at the Northeast Library in Tallahassee on Monday. The site is the last stop on U.S. Highway 319 before drivers leave Florida. The agents were assigned to a post out of state and arrived at the library because they realized they would not be in the country on Election Day.

Mark Earley, the Leon County Supervisor of Elections, confirmed that the two men drove from South Florida to the polling location. They attempted to vote but quickly realized they were not registered in Leon County. Earley said the agents left the site immediately after discovering their registration mismatch.

Earley stated that he accepted the agency's account of the incident. He noted that the event fit the facts and aligned with guarantees made to election officials. Those guarantees stated that federal agents would not be stationed at polling sites. "I am satisfied this was an isolated instance of agents attempting to vote before they left Florida," Earley said.

The incident adds to recent reports of federal presence near voting locations. Last week, Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Sherri Hodies launched an investigation after masked federal agents stopped a vehicle near a polling place in Key Largo. Both county supervisors have lodged formal complaints with the FBI regarding these events.

Federal law restricts armed agents from conducting activities around polls unless they are repelling an armed enemy. During a summer conference, the FBI told state supervisors that immigration enforcement would not occur at polling places. Brevard County Supervisor of Elections Tim Bobanic recalled being told repeatedly that no such plans existed for Florida.

Earley said he appreciated the focus of the agencies investigating the situation. He wants to reassure voters that they are safe voting in person. Early voting in Florida is scheduled to end on Sunday, Nov. 1.