On October 30, the South Carolina Election Commission voted to cancel the election for State House, district 114 in Charleston, and instead hold a special election for that seat later. See this story. The Democratic nominee plans to sue to overturn this decision. Thanks to Rick Hasen for the link.
If this isn’t a case of partisan politics, then I’ve never seen one. I don’t normally find myself on the side of a Democratic candidate – or of a Green Party candidate. But this is one time that the obviously GOP-controlled State Election Commission has decided the voters of State House, District 117 will not be allowed to have a vote – unless there is a Republican on the ballot whose votes will be counted.
Now, if Democrat nominee, Mary Tinkler had been the ONLY candidate left on the ballot, I might could side with the State Election Commission. But there is another candidate on the ballot in the form of the Green Party nominee, Sue Edwards. The voters do have a choice. It is not the voters fault the Republican nominee was forced resigned both as a candidate and from the office he was seeking to be re-elected to.
You can be sure, the State Election Commission would not bend over for 3rd party at such a late hour before the election. But, regardless of whether this ruling is allowed by a higher Court to stand, and a special election is held later, the voters are going to be so incensed and regardless of how “Republican” this district is, I believe most will vote out of protest for the Democrat, Mary Tinkler, and a good many will likewise vote for Sue Edwards.
Again, another reason why we need 3rd parties and Independents.
The Democratic Party has an excellent argument. Yes, I’m sure the probably Republican majority thinks it shameful they now have no candidate. But the Republicans could certainly have nominated someone else. It would be unfair after candidate expenses and effort for this election to cancel it. There is far too much time in most states between primaries and general election. Too bad there aren’t candidates from Green or Libertarian Parties on this ballot. With the Republicans out of it, maybe they would have had a chance for a big percentage.
The State Election Commission’s action is completely contrary to South Carolina law, which permits a delayed general election only if a substitute candidate is “certified . . . before the date of the general election.” The process to select a new candidate requires a filing and primary process that takes at least four to five weeks. Do the math. It is impossible to certify a new candidate “before the date of the general election.” Fortunately. the Supreme Court of South Carolina has an opportunity to end this embarrassment by upholding the rule of law. Let’s hope they do so.
By the way, it is District 114, not 117.
thank you. I have now fixed it.
North Carolina Dem:
Don’t worry, if this does go to a special election, I think your fellow Democrat, Mary Tinkler, will win. I don’t normally support Democrats, because your party has gone so far left, but I’ll have to admit – at least for one term – your party will hold this seat.
Thanks, Alabama Independent. Glad to have your support for Mary Tinkler. I’ve known her all her life, and she will be a much-needed breath of fresh air in the SC House.
North Carolina Dem:
I did not say I “supported” Mary Tinkler in the philosophical sense. By “support” I meant that in this particular election, she deserves to win the seat, assuming the voters do choose her over the Green candidate – Sue Edwards.
Again, I reiterate, if she is elected and does not vote on issues which reflect the people of District 114, she will be a “one termer.”