Ever since I qualified for office in 2014 School Board election, I wondered why I had to pay a fee to the State Central Committee of the party I am registered as and a fee to the Parish Executive Committee of the same party. To be clear this is state law (R.S.18:464 C). I understand a qualifying fee to cover the election cost. However why is a person forced to pay for a committee that is elected too?
The real discrimination is after you give them your money they endorse one of the candidates. If two or more people qualify, pay their fee and is carrying the party name is it proper to select one as the party’s candidate. Be mindful only people that are elected and central committee are allowed to vote at the endorsement meeting. Should the person who has not been endorsed be refunded their fee. After all you just kicked them out of your party. That person for all practical purposes is now an independent.
The additional fee collected from each Democratic and Republican candidate is like putting a tax on candidates. If a person runs as an independent because they can’t afford the extra fee, but believe they have something to offer, is their right to a fair election taken from them. They are then forced to be at a disadvantage because of money. It’s a disadvantage because if your district has a strong party presence then the independent is overlooked. That is what the poll taxes where all about in 1870’s to eliminate black and poor people. The question is, is does this amount to a poll tax to eliminate competition or disenfranchise the common citizen.
The last question I have is, what does the parties do with this fee. Do they pay for campaign material, commercials, mail outs? Do they use this to pay their expenses to the National Presidential Conventions?
So in the upcoming elections this year ask your candidate in your district running for State Central Committee to show you the money!
Your comments are welcomed !