In Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, longtime Sheriff Harry Lee died yesterday. He was running for re-election, with the election to be held this month. Since his death on Oct. 1, the powers that be have decided to postpone the election to November. Also, qualifying has been re-opened for the election, and any candidate who has already qualified (only 2 others besides Lee) must re-qualify. One candidate has filed suit to attempt to carry on the election as planned.
Of course, with Lee gone, many more candidates will enter the race, making it a wide open field. Lee was a guaranteed winner everytime he ran. Now there will most likely be at least a dozen candidates that throw their hat in the ring now that Lee has passed away, and qualifying has been re-opened.
Do you think this is fair to the other 2 candidates? Is it legal? What normally would happen if a candidate died before an election? Would/should the election be posponed? Are there special rules that apply to incumbents?
2007-10-02 02:06:40 · 5 answers · asked by ~RedBird~ 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
The only part of that I can answer is the last question: There should not be any special rules that apply to incumbents.
As for the rest, be assured that both sides of the issue will argue it in court, and whichever side loses will appeal, and so it will be delayed for that reason alone. Whether they can open the race and expect everyone to re-qualify is also an issue that will be argued in court.
If you feel strongly about it, volunteer to help whichever side you prefer. The best thing to do would be to call the campaign headquarters and say, "What can I do to help?" They'll tell you.
2007-10-02 02:13:42 · answer #1 · answered by auntb93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the United Kingdom this is perfectly legal and last happened during the 2005 general election when the Lib Dem candidate died between the close of nominations and polling day. A special election was held about a month later.
2007-10-02 11:14:46 · answer #2 · answered by Harry Hayfield 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a good ole boy convention in your neck of the woods. Do they wear white sheets over their heads too? The town rich boys have no right to hand pick the Sherriff or postpone the election when their are candidates running .
2007-10-02 09:12:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
There is no country-wide standard for how local elections are held - and certainly the local relevent legislature can make changes.
I'm not sure who "the powers that be" are, but if it is the local mayor, yeah, it probably is quite legal.
As for "fair" ... yeah, its fair. Annoying, but fair.
2007-10-02 09:11:03 · answer #4 · answered by Elana 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://www.sos.louisiana.gov/tabid/68/Default.aspx
2007-10-02 09:19:07 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋