DeSoto City Council Runoff: Everett Jackson's Eligibility Questioned Over Felony Record

Eligibility Questions for DeSoto City Council Candidate

• 📌 Everett Jackson, a candidate for DeSoto City Council Place 3, is facing scrutiny over his eligibility due to a prior felony conviction.
• ⚠️ Questions arose after an email revealed Jackson did not submit the proper paperwork required for candidates with a felony record.
• 📜 Jackson stated he submitted his discharge of sentence, but the city manager clarified that specific documents under the state code of criminal procedure are required.

Timing and Election Impact

• 🗓️ The city stated a candidate cannot be declared ineligible while early voting is underway.
• 🗳️ However, the presiding officer of the canvassing authority can declare a candidate ineligible after polls close and before issuing the certificate of election.
• 😟 This situation has caused confusion among voters who have already cast their ballots, with concerns that their votes may not count.

Candidate and Resident Reactions

• 💬 Jackson expressed frustration, feeling he is being made to live with a lifelong sentence despite not receiving one.
• 🗣️ DeSoto resident Debbie Hicks believes the city should have addressed the eligibility issues before the election began to avoid confusion.
• ⚖️ Jackson's opponent, Kin Waters, stated it's unfortunate this information wasn't available to voters during the initial general election.

Next Steps and Precedent

• 🏛️ If Jackson is declared ineligible post-election, the city will consult legal counsel and the Secretary of State to determine the next steps.
• 🚀 Jackson views this race as setting a precedent for individuals with past blemishes in their lives.