PENITAS – The city of Penitas claims they checked the rules and believe their library surveillance cameras are in compliance with election rules.

The Penitas city manager said he checked with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office and believes they are following the rules.

The city received a Freedom of Information request about the surveillance video released on social media.

The security footage shows voters during early voting.

The city manager said he released the video because he was legally obligated to do so.

The Hidalgo County Elections Office heard about the controversy then took action to cover up cameras at the Penitas Public Library.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS contacted the Secretary of State’s Office, who told us again, security cameras at poll sites should be turned off to ensure voter privacy.

If those cameras cannot be turned off, they said, cameras pointed at voting areas should at least be covered up.