FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals came to an agreement on a case that has removed a Marion County candidate from the Marion County November General Election ballot.
On Sept. 7, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals heard the arguments for and against a case that has an effect on several counties in the state, including Marion County.
Registered Democrat Erik Wells was found ineligible by a Kanawha County circuit judge to run in the general election as an independent candidate. After being made aware that he was ruled ineligible, Wells sent an appeal to the West Virginia Supreme Court.
After the appeal, Wells was “disallowed” which upholds the order entered by Kanawha County against Wells.
“The court has thoroughly reviewed the appendix record and the arguments set forth in the briefs of the parties,” the order said. “After careful consideration of all filings and oral argument by the parties, the Court is of the opinion that the Aug. 18, 2016, order entered in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County shall be, and it herby is, affirmed.”
In Marion County, Sandra Saurborn, a registered Republican, has filed to run for the clerk seat as an independent candidate. Due to the Supreme Court ruling, Saurborn will be removed from the general election ballot for the Nov. 8 election.
“(The ruling) did take her off the ballot,” Mary Gaye Priolette, with Marion County Voter’s Registration said. “She came in and Janice (Cosco) refunded her money. Now she is running as a write-in.”
With the courts decision, Marion County can move forward with pulling ballot positions for the upcoming general election in November.
Email Kelsie VanderWijst at [email protected].