News Summary
Chris White, a candidate for Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney, has sued the Virginia Department of Elections over a ballot naming dispute. The ballot lists his full name instead of the name he campaigned under. White seeks over $900,000 in damages and demands a cessation of voting along with a ballot correction. His opponent, Bethany Harrison, has criticized the lawsuit as politically motivated amid over 4,200 early votes already cast. The case is scheduled for a court hearing soon, raising significant implications for the election.
Candidate Chris White Sues Virginia Elections Department Over Ballot Name Dispute
In a surprising turn of events, candidate Chris White, who is running for Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney, has filed a lawsuit against the Virginia Department of Elections. The center of the issue lies in the way his name has been listed on the ballot; instead of the name he campaigned under, “Chris White,” the ballot features his full name, “Christopher G. White.” This discrepancy has ignited a heated controversy leading up to the upcoming elections.
White is not just looking for a minor correction; he is seeking over $900,000 in damages. He is also asking for a halt to the voting process, a correction on the ballot, and a redo of all votes that have already been cast. This is a significant request, particularly as the race heats up against the Republican incumbent, Bethany Harrison, turning the election into a hotly contested battle.
White has made his feelings clear regarding this situation, stating that he believes the Virginia Department of Elections is not adhering to the proper protocols laid out in the Virginia code. His concern stems from the fact that he had notified the department of the naming error nearly a month ago but claims that no action was taken to correct it.
On the other hand, Harrison has criticized White’s lawsuit, suggesting that it is more about his “desire for vengeance” than about a legitimate electoral concern. She also highlighted that with over 4,200 early votes already cast in Lynchburg, the timing of the lawsuit raises questions. White had mentioned that he was unable to access a sample ballot until mail-in ballots went out, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Harrison further accused White of leveraging this lawsuit for political gain, calling his move a “last-ditch effort” to extract as much money as possible from the taxpayers. While the two candidates appear to be in a heated battle both on and off the ballot, legal experts have suggested that White might face a tough fight in court given the circumstances surrounding the filing.
Despite this skepticism, White remains steadfast in his belief that the government must be held accountable for its actions according to the laws of Virginia. As the case heads to court, it is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, where a judge will deliberate on whether to grant a temporary restraining order. Meanwhile, both the Virginia Department of Elections and the Lynchburg Electoral Board have opted to decline comments on the pending litigation, keeping the public speculation alive.
As the situation unfolds, voters and political observers are keenly watching to see how this high-stakes drama will impact the electoral process in Lynchburg. With the election just around the corner, the implications of this lawsuit could be far-reaching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main issue in Chris White’s lawsuit against the Virginia Department of Elections?
The main issue is that the Virginia Department of Elections incorrectly listed his full name, “Christopher G. White,” on the ballot instead of the name he campaigned under, “Chris White.”
What damages is White seeking in his lawsuit?
White is seeking over $900,000 in damages, and he is requesting that voting be halted, the ballot be corrected, and that votes already cast be redone.
What has been Bethany Harrison’s response to the lawsuit?
Harrison criticized White’s lawsuit, claiming it reflects his “desire for vengeance,” and questioned the timing given that over 4,200 early votes have already been cast.
When is the case set to be heard in court?
The case is scheduled to be heard in court on Tuesday, where a judge will consider a temporary restraining order.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Issue | Incorrect name on the ballot |
| Damages Sought | Over $900,000 |
| Candidates Involved | Chris White and Bethany Harrison |
| Early Votes Cast | Over 4,200 |
| Court Date | Upcoming Tuesday |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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