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Writer's pictureNathan Sharp

CITRUS DEMOCRATS URGE CHANGE TO CANDIDATE QUALIFYING PROCESS




CITRUS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (DEC)


For Immediate Release

Contact:  John Comer, Citrus DEC Chair

Phone: 352-228-0503: 

info@citrusdemocrats.org


CITRUS DEMOCRATS URGE CHANGE

 TO CANDIDATE QUALIFYING PROCESS


Hernando, Florida. June 13, 2024  -  As qualifying for state legislature and local races draws to a close it remains apparent that changes must be made to how qualifying works in the State of Florida.  In 2020,  three No Party Affiliated candidates were essentially bribed to enter the races in a scheme to siphon votes away from Democratic candidates in favor of their Republican opponents in state Senate races. Earlier this year, two political consultants and a candidate were charged in Seminole County for their roles in violating campaign finance laws related to a “ghost” candidate. Other cases have been filed around the state.



John Comer, Chair of the Citrus DEC said.  “Under Florida’s closed primary laws, the potential for abuse of the system is high.  Candidates file as third party or no party affiliated which effectively blocks many of our citizens from participating in the electoral process.  Instead of running an active campaign, these candidates file merely to block participation in primaries, disenfranchising voters and suppressing turnout. There’s also the question of how these candidates are paying for the qualifying fees with no fundraising activity.  Did it arrive as cash in unmarked envelopes?  The appropriate state agency should investigate these candidates”. 



About Citrus County Democratic Party

The Citrus County DEC is responsible for managing the affairs of the Florida Democratic Party (FDP) within the county. Membership of the DEC includes elected Precinct Committeemen and Committeewomen who represent the registered voters of their precinct.


Citrus County Democrats strive to eliminate voter suppression, enhance public education, establish a living wage for workers, advocate for social justice and preserve Social Security and Medicare for senior citizens. 

Please visit us at https://www.citrusdemocrats.org/ and sign up for our monthly newsletter https://forms.wix.com/r/7186390875637809323.

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