"Voter Choice Is the Essence of a Democracy"

The right of voting for representatives is the primary right by which other rights are protected. To take away this right is to reduce a man to slavery, for slavery consists in being subject to the will of another, and he that has not a vote in the election of representatives is in this case.  ~Thomas Paine

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

From the outset, my candidacy for city council has been challenged by Democratic Party Chair, Ross Thomas.  You can read the latest about it here.

Thomas filed suit against me and the Bartholomew County Election Board to have me removed from the ballot from this past November 7th election.

Election board counsel, Peter King, stated in their defense:

• "As a matter of law, Mr. Foyst was a 'candidate' as of June 22, 2023. He has not lost this candidate status from that date forward."
• “Mr. Thomas, as Bartholomew County Democratic Party Chair, seeks to eliminate competition for the Democrat Party candidate in District 6 so that the Democrat candidate may win by default, thereby depriving the voters of Common Council District 6 a choice. Such is not the result that the General Assembly intended.”

• "It is never in the interest of the public to deprive the electorate of a choice for public office.  Voter choice is the essence of a democracy."

If Mr. Thomas has his way, he will ensure the seat goes to his party's candidate despite the resounding choice voters have already made. And, we the residents of District 6 will ultimately be the losers.

The next hearing is scheduled for November 28 at 8:30 a.m.

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