Description

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