CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments in the attempt by former state Senator Erik Wells to get on the ballot in the county clerk’s race in Kanawha County.
Wells, a Democrat, did not run for the office in the May Primary Election but used the petition process in an attempt to gain access as an unaffiliated candidate. Kanawha County Circuit Judge Charlie King ruled earlier this month against Wells saying as a registered Democrat he couldn’t seek the office. Wells appealed to the Supreme Court.
The High Court has set oral arguments Tuesday for Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 1:30 p.m., which is just a week before ballots have to go to the printer for the Nov. 8 General Election.
If successful, Wells would be taking on Kanawha County Clerk Vera McCormick in the November vote. McCormick released the following statement Tuesday:
“I am very pleased our West Virginia Supreme Court has acted swiftly to resolve this issue. I have all the confidence in our Supreme Court to render a fair and just decision,” she said.
There are similar ballot disputes in Fayette and Pocahontas counties that will likely be watching the Kanawha County case closely.