Election 2020: Chair of Duval County Canvassing Board resigns

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —

10/30 2:00 p.m. UPDATE:

The canvassing board made a unanimous decision to recount approximately 250 ballots that Judge Shore ruled on.

Judge Brent Shore has resigned as the chair of the Duval County Canvassing Board, Action News Jax has confirmed.

Shore’s resignation comes after he broke rules by showing support for President Donald J. Trump by donating to Trump’s campaign. Many voters and some local leaders were calling for Shore to resign.

According to the Duval County Supervisor of Elections website, the canvassing board “is made up of the Supervisor of Elections, a county court judge (who acts as chair), and a city council member.”

Also, “two alternate members (a county court judge and a city council member) are also appointed. The County Canvassing Board meets at the Supervisor of Elections office to publicly canvass the elector’s vote-by-mail ballots and provisional ballots.”

The Canvassing Board sifts through and reviews questionable ballots to determine the intent of the voter, a very tedious and important process.

Action News Jax has reached out to Duval County Supervisor of Elections Mike Hogan. He has not yet responded to our inquiries, but said the following in an email to a citizen:

"On the Judge Shore issue:

"1. I do not know all the legal limitations on judges as it relates to political activity nor do I have any jurisdiction over a Judge. I also do not know if a Judge’s limitation are imposed on their wife or husband.

"2. I am certain the authority on this matter is the Chief Judge and I called him last night.

“3. I will not express an opinion until I know all the facts”

A neighbor tells Action News Jax the judge’s home was covered in signs promoting President Trump, but they were taken down Thursday morning.

Rules from the division of elections say displaying a candidate’s campaign sign could lead to a disqualification from a canvassing board.

Public records also reveal Shore has donated more than $100 to President Trump’s campaign since 2016. Six of those donations were made this year.

This violates judicial rules that bar judges from making any kind of political donation.

According to a ruling from the Florida Supreme Court, “a judge or a candidate for election or appointment to judicial office shall not ... solicit funds for, pay an assessment to or make a contribution to a political organization or candidate, or purchase tickets for political party dinners or other functions.”

WATCH: Local leaders comment after Shore’s resignation:

READ: Jacksonville City Council members Tommy Hazouri, Garrett Dennis and Brenda Priestly-Jackson release statement:

Action News Jax’s Christy Turner talked to Jacksonville City Council member Michael Boylan, who serves as a canvassing board member. He said he supports Shore’s decision to resign -- hear from Boylan on Shore’s resignation on CBS47 and FOX30 Action News Jax at 5.

Cox Media Group