Judge removes candidate from ballot even though voting is underway

A Superior Court Judge today tossed a candidate for a municipal office from the June Democratic primary ballot, even though voting began twelve days ago, underscoring the danger of significant judicial delays in running clean elections that proactively avoid voter confusion.

The judge, Benjamin Telsey, determined that Paulsboro Councilman Eric Singleton fell short of the number of signatures needed to get on the ballot because five voters signed petitions for him and his two primary opponents. Since the two organization-endorsed candidates filed first, Telsey disqualified the five signers from Singleton’s petition.

Councilman Tahje Thomas is seeking re-election on a slate with Michelle Baylor, endorsed by the Gloucester County Democratic organization. Singleton was running on his own; he attended today’s hearing but declined Telsey’s offer to speak.

Telsey said there has been no evidence of gamesmanship and that allowing Singleton to remain on the ballot would effectively overturn the statute.



https://newjerseyglobe.com/local/judge-removes-candidate-from-ballot-even-though-voting-in-underway/