Elections -- Campaigns and Convictions
Manage episode 424835361 series 3550510
Host: Sidney Wheelan
Sponsor: Wheelan Law Firm of Moberly, Missouri
Contact: WheelanLaw.com
Episode Number: 18
Title: Elections--Campaigns and Convictions
Summary: Sidney discusses the intricacies of running for political office, voting regulations, and recent legal challenges involving political candidates.
Key Topics Covered
Campaign Season Observations
- Sidney shares thoughts on the current campaign season, sign wars, ice cream socials, and political fundraisers.
- Emphasizes the importance of participating in the political process by being informed and voting.
Running for Office: Qualifications and Procedures
Basic Qualifications:
- Age requirements for various offices
- Residency requirements
- Citizenship status
Disqualification Criteria:
- Criminal convictions
Filing Procedures:
- Filing deadlines and the importance of adhering to them
- Filing fees
Campaign Finance Rules:
- Registering a campaign committee
- Appointing a treasurer and filing campaign finance reports
- Contribution limits and disclosure requirements
- Penalties for non-compliance
Ethical Guidelines and Conduct:
- Rules governing campaign behavior and the use of public resources for campaigning
- Conflict of interest and transparency rules
Missouri Election Resources:
Missouri Secretary of State Website: www.sos.mo.gov
- Voter registration
- How to register to vote
- Election security
- Polling place information
- Information for election candidates and poll workers
Federal Election Resources:
Federal Election Commission Website: www.fec.gov
- Campaign finance data
- Help for candidates and committees
- Legal resources, legislation, regulations, policy, and guidance
Legal Challenges in Politics
Recent Case:
- Discussion of former President Trump's recent conviction and eligibility to run for office.
Missouri Case: Cass County Clerk Jeff Fletcher vs. Herschel Young (Case No. SC100594)
- Young, previously convicted of a felony and pardoned, was disqualified from running for public office by the Missouri Supreme Court.
- Missouri law (Section 115.306, RSMo) clearly states that individuals who plead guilty to a felony are disqualified from elective office, even if pardoned.
Voting Eligibility in Missouri
Ineligibility:
- In prison, detention, jail, or penal institution
- Convicted of a felony or misdemeanor connected with voting
- On parole for a felony conviction or convicted of a felony
- Disqualified due to a court order
Restorative Requirements:
- Eligibility to register to vote is restored after completing a felony sentence, parole, probation, or being pardoned.
Federal Voting Rules for Convicted Candidates
- Candidates convicted of felonies can vote based on the laws of their registered state.
- Example: Former President Trump, registered in Florida but convicted in New York, retains his voting rights unless imprisoned on Election Day.
Personal Reflections
- Sidney shares insights from attending a national conference for local elected officials.
- Stresses the importance of local leaders in communities and the responsibility of citizens to be informed and vote.
Call to action:
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- Contact The Wheelan Law Firm, LLC with any questions.
WheelanLaw.com
This podcast episode contains general information for discussion purposes only. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Missouri rules generally prohibit lawyers from advertising that they specialize in particular areas of the law. This article should not be construed to suggest such specialization. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and the listening or viewing of this podcast does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.
26 episodes