Henry Whitehorn, a candidate for sheriff, has lodged a formal appeal with the Louisiana Supreme Court regarding the annulment of the Nov. 18 runoff and the subsequent directive for a new election. 

The dispute arose when Nickelson, upon discovering voting irregularities, took legal action against Whitehorn and election officials. Ad hoc District Court Judge Joe Bleich initially ruled in favor of Nickelson, identifying 11 instances of illegal voting.

Whitehorn contested this decision, advancing his case to the Second Circuit Court of Appeal, which affirmed Bleich’s verdict on Tuesday. With the Louisiana Supreme Court serving as the final arbiter, Whitehorn’s appeal now hinges on consistent arguments. He contends that Nickelson’s failure to promptly contest the suspect votes and inability to substantiate how the irregularities might have influenced the election outcome support his stance against a new election.

Nickelson, however, insists that the confirmation of two instances of double voting is sufficient cause to question the election’s integrity and necessitates a fresh ballot.

The Louisiana Supreme Court retains the discretion to entertain oral arguments on the issue. The Louisiana Supreme Court receives a substantial number of case submissions annually, and the percentage of cases it chooses to hear can vary widely. However, the court generally selects a relatively small proportion of cases for oral arguments and full consideration. On average, the court hears arguments and decides upon approximately 5-7 percent of the cases submitted to it.  Should it opt not to hear the case submitted by Whitehorn, the preceding court decisions will hold, mandating a new election. The earliest feasible date for this election to take place is March 23.