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Houston runoff dispute at polling location
Multiple units are outside of a polling location in Houston following a reported dispute between Houston City Council District D Finalists.
HOUSTON - Multiple units were called to a polling location in Houston following a reported dispute between Houston City Council District D finalists on Thursday.
Details about what happened haven't been released by police, but District D incumbent Carolyn Evans-Shabazz and challenger Travis McGee were involved in the dispute.
Precinct workers at the facility were also said to be involved.
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In a statement to FOX 26, Houston City Council incumbent Carolyn Evans-Shabazz said,
"On November 30, 2023, I visited the Sunnyside Health & Multi-Service Center to discuss a concern with Ms. Fears, the Precinct Judge, regarding a poll worker's conduct. We chose a secluded location under a staircase inside the building for our private conversation, away from the public area. The situation escalated when the poll worker, realizing he was the subject of the complaint, followed and confronted me in an aggressive manner, putting his finger in my face.
As a matter of protocol, police and constable officers were called to the scene. It is important to note that at no point did they attempt to speak with me or ask me any questions, as I had not engaged in any wrongdoing.
It has come to my attention that the poll worker's subsequent complaint against me was a reaction to his awareness of my complaint. His involvement in the meeting with Ms. Fears, initially intended to be private, appeared to be an attempt to intimidate me during the lodging of my complaint.
The claim by my opponent, Travis McGee, of witnessing the event is highly unlikely, considering the private nature of the meeting. His behavior suggests a deliberate attempt to harass and use any overheard information to spread falsehoods and tarnish my reputation.
Mr. McGee has publicly accused me of 'playing the victim' and exhibiting 'entitlement.' His admission to engaging in the actions I have described, justified by alleged past behaviors on my part, is deeply concerning. Such tactics appear to be a calculated effort to justify ongoing harassment and inappropriate behavior at the polling site.
The presence of security cameras within the facility offers transparency and will confirm the nature of my visit and conduct, clearly showing that no campaign activities were undertaken inside the center.
Councilwoman Evans-Shabazz remains committed to a fair and respectful electoral process and will continue to advocate for proper conduct at all polling locations. She upholds the highest standards of integrity and public service and categorically denies any accusations of entitlement or inappropriate behavior. My focus remains steadfastly on serving the people of Houston with honesty and dedication."