Louisiana Supreme Court permits election redo due to 11 illegal votes in 1-vote race
The Louisiana Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a lower court’s decision to hold a new election for a local sheriff’s race due to voter fraud.
“When a court is presented with proven errors, even when no candidate is responsible for those errors, it is compelled to act and uphold our Election Code,” Justice Scott Crichton stated, concurring with the majority decision. “In this case, a new election will ensure confidence in the final outcome.”
In the initial results of the November 18 election, Democrat Henry Whitehorn was declared the winner by one vote over Republican John Nickelson in Caddo Parish’s sheriff’s race. However, a legal challenge by Nickelson alleging a rushed and inaccurate count led to a district court review.
After examining the evidence, Judge Joe Bleich found multiple instances of illegal votes, including double voting, non-compliant mail-in ballots, and votes by unqualified individuals. As a result, Bleich ordered a new election, which Whitehorn appealed to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal.
After the circuit court upheld Bleich’s decision, Whitehorn took the case to the Louisiana Supreme Court, which declined to intervene, allowing the new election to proceed. Justice Crichton praised the lower courts for reaching the correct decision and emphasized the impact of even a single illegal vote on the electoral system.
The new sheriff election in Caddo Parish is scheduled for March 23, according to a local outlet.
This ruling highlights another instance of voter fraud necessitating a new election. In a previous case in November, a Connecticut superior court ordered a new mayoral primary election in Bridgeport due to evidence of fraud involving absentee ballots. Surveillance footage revealed a city employee associated with the incumbent mayor’s campaign tampering with ballot boxes.
It is crucial to address irregularities and maintain the integrity of our elections, as even a single vote can have a significant impact on the outcome.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. He previously served as a state content writer for Convention of States Action and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood
What evidence of voter fraud was presented in the court’s decision to hold a new election in the Caddo Parish sheriff’s race?
E district court’s decision to stand. This means that a new election will be held to determine the rightful winner of the sheriff’s race in Caddo Parish.
The decision to hold a new election was based on the evidence presented in court regarding voter fraud. Judge Joe Bleich found multiple instances of illegal votes, including double voting, non-compliant mail-in ballots, and votes by unqualified individuals. These irregularities cast doubt on the accuracy and integrity of the initial election results.
The fact that the errors were not the fault of any candidate did not sway the Supreme Court’s decision. Justice Scott Crichton, in concurring with the majority decision, emphasized the need to uphold the Election Code and ensure confidence in the final outcome. When proven errors are present, the court is compelled to take action, even if it means conducting a new election.
The November 18 election initially declared Democrat Henry Whitehorn as the winner with a one-vote margin over Republican John Nickelson. However, Nickelson challenged the results, alleging that the count was rushed and inaccurate. This legal challenge prompted a review by the district court.
The lower court’s examination of the evidence revealed significant issues that undermined the integrity of the election process. Voter fraud, such as double voting and votes by unqualified individuals, undermines the principles of democracy and the will of the people. In order to restore confidence in the electoral process and ensure a fair and accurate outcome, Judge Joe Bleich ordered a new election.
Whitehorn appealed the district court’s decision to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal. However, the appeal was unsuccessful, as the appellate court upheld Bleich’s ruling. Consequently, Whitehorn sought relief from the Louisiana Supreme Court, but the highest court in the state declined to intervene, allowing the district court’s decision to stand.
The decision of the Louisiana Supreme Court to uphold the order for a new election reflects the commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. Voter fraud is a serious offense that undermines the very foundation of democracy. By ordering a new election, the court is sending a clear message that such illegal activity will not be tolerated.
The upcoming election will provide an opportunity for the residents of Caddo Parish to reaffirm their commitment to democracy and ensure that their voices are heard. It is crucial for all eligible voters in the parish to participate and exercise their right to vote, thereby contributing to a fair and transparent election process.
In conclusion, the Louisiana Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the lower court’s order for a new election in the Caddo Parish sheriff’s race is a significant step towards preserving the integrity of the electoral process. The evidence of voter fraud necessitated the need for a new election to restore confidence in the final outcome. This decision serves as a reminder that voter fraud will not be tolerated, and that every eligible voter must play their part in upholding democratic principles.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...