Wardlaw Qualifies as Write-in Candidate

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Toombs County Sheriff’s Deputy Rodney Wardlaw has secured his campaign for the upcoming Toombs County Sheriff’s election, as he has officially qualified as the county’s first ever write-in candidate.

Wardlaw’s qualification as a write-in candidate means that his name will not appear written as an option on the ballot; yet, citizens will be able to manually enter his name by typing it in the provided space under the choices listed on the ballot. Exact capitalization and spelling of his name is not required for the ballot to continued from page

count, but to ensure their vote is cast, voters wishing to vote for Wardlaw should try to be as accurate as possible with their input.

Previously, Wardlaw attempted to put his name on the ballot for sheriff as the county’s first independent candidate; yet, some discrepancies in the petition which he submitted to the election superintendent caused the petition to be rejected. According to Wardlaw, the election superintendent did not provide information detailing how to draft a petition which was acceptable to code even when he contacted her directly about the matter. Meanwhile, Election Superintendent Carey Alligood stated that she shared information as she learned it, as this was the first time she had ever dealt with a candidate trying to qualify as an independent candidate.

During the Board of Elections hearing on Tuesday, July 16, Alligood explained to the Board that Wardlaw’s petition did not meet the criteria of the law regarding the document. After hearing from County Attorney Blake Tillery regarding the guidelines which the law instructs potential independent candidates to follow in crafting their petitions, the Board voted unanimously to deny Wardlaw’s entry on the ballot.

Following the vote and the adjournment of the case, several of Wardlaw’s supporters spoke out to the Board, stating that Alligood had not provided Wardlaw with the right instructions for drafting the ballot. The group cited Alligood’s job description, which reads, “The supervisor would have knowledge of the Georgia election code and the rules of the State Election Board and the principles and practices of records management, and to provide examples and guidance to those that come to them to ask for support.” The group stated that Alligood had failed in her duty, stating she was taking the vote away from the people.

Wardlaw filed an appeal on the decision on Monday, July 22, to allow the Toombs County Superior Court to determine the validity of the decision, as he reaffirmed his misguidance by Alligood; however, after obtaining legal counsel a few days prior to the hearing, decided to dismiss the issue.

As a result of the appeal still appearing on the docket, the judge ruled that Wardlaw pay $7,095 ($150/ hour; 47.3 hours) in attorney’s fees to the County. The County requested an additional $229.34 for other costs, which Tillery cited as being “mainly copies,” but was denied this payment by the court.

After the conclusion of the appeal hearing, Wardlaw shared his intent to qualify for the election as a write-in candidate. He sought legal counsel on the process, and ultimately, completed the required paperwork and legal advertisement necessary for the qualification.

“Despite the many ob- stacles that I have faced to have my name placed on the election ballot, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to continue this fight as a write-in candidate. Your support and encouragement have been invaluable, and I am more determined than ever to ensure the safety and prosperity of our community,” Wardlaw emphasized. "I must say that I am deeply disappointed by the unjust and unfair practices that have led to my candidacy being relegated to a writein status. This process has been challenging and disheartening, but it has strengthened my resolve and commitment to serve the citizens of Toombs County all the more! Let it be known, that it is with this same courage and de- votion that I will serve as your Sheriff.” Election Superintendent Alligood has received so many questions about the write-in process for elections that she will be hosting a time for the public to come practice the write-in process on electronic voting machines at the Toombs County Courthouse. This event will be held on October 2 at 2:30 p.m.

For more information, call the Board of Elections and Registration at (912) 526-8226.