Allen County Candidate Kicked Off Ballot
By: Barbara Felicichia
Updated: March 8, 2012
FORT WAYNE, IN - The Allen County Election board has removed David Roach from the ballot for Allen County Commissioner.
Beth Dlug, the Director of Elections for Allen County says, "We are the judge and jury. We do not make that decision based on what this particular candidate filed. However if someone challenges it we do listen to that challenge and we make a decision based on the challenge, but we don't just arbitrarily decide."
Beth Dlug, the Director of Elections for Allen County says, "We are the judge and jury. We do not make that decision based on what this particular candidate filed. However if someone challenges it we do listen to that challenge and we make a decision based on the challenge, but we don't just arbitrarily decide."
Roach used the nick-name "Legalize Marijuana" on the ballot and a voter didn't like it. A voter challenged the name and the election board held a hearing to get testimony from both the challenger and David Roach. The board decided the nick-name was inappropriate.
WFFT talked with Roach. "I think the ACEB ruled wrong. I presented a preponderance of other laws that were more specific, and cited board precedent; the law is flawed and imprecise and needs to be rewritten, so until then, I think the people should decide, and the board should reverse its decision," he said.
We asked Roach why he put Legalize Marijuana on the ballot. He told us he wanted to raise awareness about the legalization of marijuana. He also said if the democrats see his name on the ballot they're more motivated to fill the ballot.
Roach plans to appeal the decision and is actively looking for representation. If he does fight it he'll have to go before a circuit court judge, and there's no guarantee a decision will be made before the election.
