Calls for increased poll worker security emerged following a fight at an Orangeburg County early voting center on Wednesday.

In a video shared with WACH FOX, a man is seen arguing with poll workers after being turned away at the Orangeburg County Library voting center.

The man was reportedly wearing a hat that read “Let’s Go Brandon,” a phrase often used as a euphemism to insult President Joe Biden.

In South Carolina, voters are banned to wear clothing displaying a political party, the name of a candidate or a voting issue.

After being informed he could not vote, the man appeared to throw his hat before engaging in a physical altercation with a poll worker.

Voters at the Orangeburg voting center who spoke to WACH Fox said they were upset.

“When he was offended by that, he was only offended by the truth,” one voter said.

“They are just there to help you vote, not to try to have an opinion for you, all they do is make sure the vote is fair for both sides,” added another .

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In a statement on the incident, the South Carolina Republican Party said: “Poll workers play a crucial role in our elections and should be treated with respect. Our civic process deserves to be respected and supported by both those who work at the polls and those who vote. ballots. »

The state Democratic Party said, “The law is clear: no campaign equipment or clothing is allowed within 500 feet of the polling place to ensure a fair, intimidation-free voting environment. It is scandalous to see this type of aggression degenerate into physical confrontation towards the polls. workers, especially when many of our returning officers are dedicated, older volunteers simply there to ensure our electoral process runs smoothly. This incident highlights the need to hire more people to work with our full-time election officials to ensure our elections are run efficiently and properly. free from physical intimidation. We urge everyone to remember the importance of respect in our democratic process and to show consideration to the people who work hard to ensure that everyone in South Carolina has the right to vote.

A SLED official confirms that the agency is investigating this incident.