A candidate’s bid for a local Democratic committee seat is being challenged in Lancaster County court.
Lawrence Kingsley, a consultant, filed paperwork this month to appear on the May 19 primary ballot to serve a four-year term as a Democratic committee member for the Hambright precinct of Manor Township. But Kirk Barrett, who is running for the same position, filed an objection to Kingsley’s candidate petitions on March 16.
Barrett’s challenge says Kingsley failed to obtain the proper number of signatures to run for office. Candidates for a county Democratic committee seat must receive 10 signatures from registered Democratic voters who live in the precinct. Kingsley’s petitions, Barrett said in his objection, included signatures from voters who live outside of the precinct or were not registered Democrats.
Voters in each precinct elect two committee people. Dianna Barrett, Kirk’s wife, is also running for committee person in the Hambright precinct.
Barrett insisted the challenge isn’t personal, that it’s strictly “procedural” because it appears Kingsley did not receive the correct number of signatures.
Kingsley did not respond to a request for comment.
A hearing is scheduled on the issue at 9:30 a.m. Monday in the Lancaster County Courthouse and will be conducted by President Judge Leonard G. Brown III.
