The Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners (JCBEC) was named in a lawsuit filed by Jefferson County Sheriff’s candidate Mark Cannon that alleged that current Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr., who is seeking another term should be removed from the ballot.
In a response filed Tuesday, the JCBEC said they have no knowledge of the facts alleged by Cannon to support his petition and therefore deny the allegations.
The response was prepared by Prosecuting Attorney S. Kyle Hunter admits that the JCBEC has a duty to prepare, approve and certify ballots and election results, and has already approved the ballots for the upcoming March 3 election.
It goes on to say the JCBEC will follow the directions ordered by the court.
Also Tuesday, Attorney Kimberly B. Dale filed an entry of appearance in the case representing Woods who is seeking to have the case dismissed. Dale and Attorney Wesley Watts have requested copies of all filings, pleadings and notices in the case be sent to them.
Cannon claims Woods is ineligible to serve because of a prior misdemeanor conviction for theft of property which has been sealed. He has asked a judge to obtain the records and examine them outside of open court.
No court date has been set for that hearing.
