Caddo Sheriff run-off candidate John Nickelson filed an election challenge yesterday (Mon.).
This was after the recount of the absentee ballots that gave both Henry Whitehorn and Nickelson an additional three votes. The result of the recount gave Whitehorn a one (1) vote majority.
Here is a brief summary of the 14-page lawsuit that has 66 pages of exhibits:
1. Two voters cast absentee ballots and voted in person
2. Two votes were cast by one voter
3. four interdicted voters cast ballots (an interdicted person does not have the legal capacity to vote)
4. One absentee ballot was not signed by the putative voter
5. Multiple absentee ballots were not correctly witnessed which is a requirement of law
6. Multiple absentee ballots were witnessed by persons not family members which is a requirement of law (many by the same person)
7. Many irregularities occurred at polling places.
Nickelson has the burden of proof at the trial, which is to start Thurs. in a Caddo district court. Nickelson is requesting that the election be voided, and a new election ordered.
It is expected that the court's decision will be appealed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. This case will probably end up at the Louisiana Supreme Court.
Election challenge cases are tried on an expedited basis.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.