HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-20-2008 Election 08 Inquiry - AddendumPage 1 of)rl
Andrea Lorenzo-luaces
From: Kate Latorre [klatorre@orlandolaw.net]
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 3:14 PM
To: Andrea Lorenzo-luaces
Subject: RE: Election 08 Inquiry - Addendum
Attachments: Kate Latorre.vcf
Andrea:
You are correct that section 99.061, F.S. does not apply to municipalities. Further, no state statute specifically
addresses municipal qualification. Thus:
1. The 14-day period (in s. 99.061(8)) prior to qualifying periods during which completed qualifying packets may
be accepted is irrelevant and not applicable to the City. (I'm not sure what the purpose is, except maybe to
provide prospective candidates some flexibility regarding when they can submit their packets).
2. You should rely strictly on the City Code with regard to accepting completed qualification packets.
Section 2-87 provides that qualifying papers "shall be filed and the qualifying fee paid during regular business
hours any time after 12:00 noon on the first filing date, which shall be seventy-one (71) calendar days
prior to the municipal election, but not later than 12:00 noon on the sixty-seventh (67) calendar day prior
to the municipal election."
Given the express direction is the City Code that qualifying papers be filed on those certain days, I recommend
against accepting qualifying papers any earlier. Notwithstanding the required filing dates, I don't see problem
with your office establishing a reasonable date on which qualifying papers will be made available to candidates.
In fact, it would almost seem unreasonable not to make them available earlier than the qualifying period given that
prospective candidates are required to obtain signatures from registered voters.
I hope this email sufficiently responds to your questions. As the general election approaches, please feel free to
seek further clarification on any election issues you're addressing.
Have a nice weekend,
Kate
. ........
Katherine W. Latorre, Esq.
111 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 2000
P.O. Box 2873
Orlando, Florida 32802-2873
Phone (407) 425-9566
Fax (407) 425-9596
Kissimmee (321) 402-0144
Cocoa (866) 425-9566
6/20/2008