Mississippi Advisory Opinions March 23, 2007: No. 2007-00153 (March 23, 2007)
Collection: Mississippi Attorney General Opinions
Docket: No. 2007-00153
Date: March 23, 2007
Advisory Opinion Text
No. 2007-00153.
DOCK 2007-00153
AUTH Phil Carter
DATE 20070323
RQNM Larry Coleman
SUBJ Elections
SBCD 70
Dear Mr. Coleman:
Attorney General Jim Hood received your letter of request and assigned it to me for research and reply. Your letter states:
A candidate has qualified for the Sheriff's race and has requested that the name on the ballot read Clarence "Jones 02" Hinton. This individual was previously employed with the Jones County Sheriff's Department and this was his call number through dispatch. This individual feels that the public has come to know him by this "nickname", however, the Sheriff of Jones County feels that this "nickname" should not be on the ballot for this candidate. Sheriff Dykes has stated that this individual has now teen terminated from the JCSD an that this handle of "Jones 02" will be issued to another deputy.
The Jones County Executive Committee is requesting an opinion in this matter. As you are aware, the deadline for certifying this information is approaching and your prompt attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated.
While the election statutes are silent with regard to the appearance of nicknames on the ballot, we are of the opinion that they should not be used unless the officials in charge of the election determine, consistent with the facts, that the appearance of the nickname on the ballot is necessary in order to identify the candidate to the voters.
Sincerely,
JIM HOOD, ATTORNEY GENERAL
By: Phil Carter Special Assistant Attorney General