A Florida church that is hosting a polling place is being criticized by election officials after its pastor posted a sign reading “Don’t vote for Democrats on Tuesday and sing ‘Oh How I Love Jesus’ on Sunday.”

Pasco County Elections Supervisor Brian Corley told the Tampa Bay Times on Tuesday that his office had received 75 complaints about the sign by midafternoon. He said that he asked the Grace of God Church in New Port Richey to take down the sign, but because it is not within 100 feet of the actual polling place he can’t force its removal.

The Rev. Al Carlisle said he posted the sign because of the Democratic Party’s support of abortion and gay rights. He also said Democrats favor open borders, which he said contradicts God’s establishment of borders around the Garden of Eden. He said if people are offended by the sign, their problem is with God, not him.

Corley said the church has long been a polling place but it will not be in the future.

https://twitter.com/votepasco/status/1059924892035006464

In response to comments on the church’s Facebook page, Carlisle replied, “I’ll risk losing our 501-3C and honor our sacred rights to free speech.”

 

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox