JACKSON - Some candidates say a recommendation from the secretary of state's office is costing them name exposure in the Aug. 5 primary.
The Secretary of State's office in April sent a memorandum to circuit clerks and party officials advising them to leave the names of unopposed candidates off the ballot.
"No one asked the candidates how they felt about," said Josephina Zorzoli of Walls, who is running for the Senate District 1 seat in DeSoto County. "I think it's going to have a negative impact on our voters here."
Zorzoli is the only Democratic candidate in the race, and incumbent state Sen. Robert Chamberlin is the only Republican candidate.
Zorzoli says the omission could hurt unknowns who need the name recognition.
She also said it could mislead voters.
For instance, Zorzoli said there are few opposed Democratic candidates in DeSoto County, so when voters go to the polls, they will get the impression there will be no Democratic candidates running in the Nov. 4 general election.
Voters can cast ballots for candidates in either party in the primary.
Zorzoli has outlined her concerns in a letter to the Justice Department, and is awaiting a reply.
Jim Herring, chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party, said the secretary of state's recommendation to omit unopposed candidates was made "on the basis that it would be a waste of taxpayers' dollars."
Both Herring and state Democratic Party chairman, Rickey Cole, say they have received complaints from candidates.
"A number of counties made the determination not to put people's name on the ballot on the strength of that memo," Cole said Thursday.
Cole, who is also Jones County's Democratic chairman, said there's a 1991 state attorney general's opinion that says the U.S. Justice Department must first clear any changes before the counties alter their ballots.
"In Jones County, we have always put unopposed candidates on the ballot. We did so this year as well. If we've always put their names on the ballot, we should continue to do so unless it gets pre-clearance," Cole said.
David Blount, secretary of state spokesman, said state law does not require that unopposed candidates be listed on the primary election ballot.
Brad White, chairman of the Simpson County Republican Party, said the county saved money by leaving the names off because they didn't have to print as many ballots. He did not say how much money would be saved.
"Every one of the names of people that were left off in August have been printed in the paper. They will also be on the ballot in November," White said.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
