Whether disqualified mayoral candidate Julius Hall will be able to re-enter Port Wentworth's election remains undetermined following an appeal hearing Friday in Chatham County Superior Court.
With election day, Nov. 2, fast approaching, time is of the essence.
Hall asked the court to restore his name to the ballot while his eligibility to run is determined in court.
Hall's attorney, Pierre Ifill, stated that the appeal could become moot once the Chatham County Board of Elections submits municipal ballots to the Secretary of State's office. According to Chatham County Elections Supervisor Billy Wooten, the list of qualified candidates has already been sent to the state. However, that does not necessarily preclude Hall's name from being added should he be reinstated, Wooten said.
Judge Lisa G. Colbert heard arguments from the attorneys representing Hall and the Port Wentworth resident who challenged Hall's eligibility, Jodi Hawks. She did not issue a timeline for her decision.
Credit: Courtesy of Julius Hall
Credit: Courtesy of Julius Hall
She asked both parties to submit their briefs and responses by 3 p.m. Monday for further consideration of the case.
Hall was disqualified from the mayoral race on Sept. 9 by Port Wentworth's superintendent of elections on the basis that 10 years had not elapsed from the end of his felony sentence, as is required under Georgia law..
The decision to disqualify was prompted by a complaint from Hawks, a concerned resident, who pointed to Georgia legislation that states a convicted felon must have their rights restored and 10 years must elapse from the end of their sentence before running and holding public office.
Julius Hall appeal against ... by savannahnow.com
While the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles has granted Hall his civil and political rights, which includes the right to hold local office, he has not met the 10-year requirement.
Hall completed his federal sentence for involvement in a cocaine conspiracy case in January 2016. Hall had initially been sentenced to life in prison in 1991, but had his sentence commuted.
His appeal argues that the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles has the broad authority to grant him his rights back immediately, 10 years notwithstanding.
"The General Assembly bestowed upon the Board of Pardons and Parole the Executive Power to Pardon an individual who have been convicted of a felony," reads his appeal.
A date for the next hearing on the matter has not been announced.
Nancy Guan is the general assignment reporter covering Chatham County municipalities. Reach her at nguan@gannett.com or on Twitter @nancyguann.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Disqualified Port Wentworth mayoral candidate Julius Hall's appeal under time constraint
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