Republicans Shut Out Voters With a "Mickey Mouse" Candidate

SARASOTA – In a move that has sparked controversy, Republicans are effectively closing a universal primary in Sarasota County to Democrats. Registered Democrats and Independents will be barred from voting in the Sarasota County Commissioner, District 1, August primary. The reason? A so-called "Mickey Mouse candidate" has entered the race as a write-in, exploiting a loophole in Florida's election law. 

In Florida, if candidates from only one political party file to run for office, then all voters can vote in the "universal" primary. The winner of that primary will then become the elected official. However, a write-in candidate counts as opposition and closes the primary. Historically, this write-in candidate has subsequently dropped out ahead of the general election. 

"Several years ago, the Florida Times-Union labeled them the Mickey Mouse candidates: individuals who abuse Florida's 'write-in loophole,'" said Daniel Kuether, Chair of the Sarasota County Democratic Party. "The latest Mickey Mouse candidate in Sarasota County is Hope Williams." Hope Williams is the 20-year-old daughter of candidate Teresa Mast's campaign manager, Traci Williams. Williams even listed her mother's email address and phone number on her campaign paperwork.

Before Williams entered the race, the August primary would have been open for Democrats to cast a vote against Republican Teresa Mast, who curries the favor of local real estate and commercial developers.

"She entered the race as a Mickey Mouse candidate so that she could disenfranchise tens of thousands of Democratic and independent voters and ensure Mast and the land developers win."

It has been well-documented that for more than 20 years, Florida has put on a parade of sham write-in candidates, including GOP Jack Brill's daughter Victoria in May 2012. At the time, Ms. Brill, 24 years old, filed to run as a write-in candidate for Supervisor of Elections. Brill did not attend any debate or raise any campaign funds. She happily acknowledged that her purpose was to ensure that the primary race between Kathy Dent and Jon Thaxton included only Republican voters. As a result, over 150,000 Democrats and Independents were denied the right to vote in that primary race.

"Every election is important, and every vote counts," said Kuether. "This loophole needs to be closed once and for all. In the meantime, Democrats are hopeful that Republicans will continue to fight back against land overdevelopment in our county and vote on the issue."