 A review of Shelby's 55 petition signatures found 17 to be invalid,
leaving him with only 38 valid signatures. A candidate needs at
least 40 valid signatures to be listed on the ballot. Shelby had
filed as a Republican."We carefully cross-check them with voter
registration information, and if they are not accurate, they must be
invalidated," said State's Attorney Michael McIntosh. "That is the
main reason why candidates usually get many more signatures than
required, so that if some of the signatures are challenged, there
will still be enough to qualify to be on the ballot."
The decision means that incumbent Bob Thomas will be the lone
choice on the Republican ballot, although Shelby or someone else
running as a write-in candidate is possible.
In mid-December, Thomas' wife, Penny, formally filed the
objection against Shelby's signatures, claiming the signatures were
from residents not registered in Logan County or who had invalid
addresses.
On Dec. 15, the electoral board heard testimony from both Shelby
and Penny Thomas. On the board are McIntosh; Sally Litterly, county
clerk; and Mary Kelley, circuit clerk.
Thomas is seeking his third term as Logan County coroner.
[Text from file received and LDN] |
