Broward Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott has ordered a political action committee to stop distributing campaign fliers that use his name, photograph and official title to suggest he endorses certain candidates. The fliers have been handed out across Broward, especially in Tamarac, just days before the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Scott said his office issued a cease-and-desist order and that he is prepared to take legal action if needed. He said the materials create the impression that he supports particular candidates, which raises questions about whether his office is impartial.
Some of the disputed fliers were being handed out at a tent near a Tamarac polling location. CBS News Miami tried to ask a commission candidate about the materials, but the candidate did not respond. Volunteers at another polling site called the situation unacceptable and said similar problems come up every election cycle.
The dispute is not limited to Scott. A Broward circuit court judge has also issued a cease-and-desist order against a similar flier that used the name and photograph of Tamarac candidate Tamar Hamilton. She said she never authorized the use of her image to endorse other candidates.
Scott said he plans to visit polling locations to make sure election laws are followed during the final days of early voting.
