Judge Disqualifies Alix Desulme from Race in North Miami

Judge Beatrice Butchko Sanchez ruled that Desulmé did not comply with Florida legislation governing the payment of electoral qualification fees. On August 10, Désulmé had deposited two official checks totaling $5,392.80 to cover his fees, but these checks did not meet legal requirements stipulating that payments must be made by checks drawn directly from the campaign bank account and signed by the authorized treasurer.

Upon announcement of the decision, Desulmé declared his intention to appeal to a higher jurisdiction. According to American media reports, election authorities informed voters that their votes in this race would not affect the outcome if the disqualification is upheld.

Judge Butchko Sanchez's decision could allow his sole opponent, George E. Duell Morgan, to take office without effective electoral opposition.

Context of the Ruling

On August 10, Desulmé had deposited two official checks issued by TD Bank to cover his candidacy fees. These payments totaled $5,392.80 and were contested by his opponent Morgan, who initiated legal proceedings on October 8.

The defense, supported by attorney Ben Kuehne, argues that the funds came from his campaign account. It also notes that an insufficient payment of 80 cents is alleged against Morgan's filing, although this claim has not been upheld by a judicial decision.

Next Steps

Unless there is a successful appeal or suspension of the ruling, the disqualification could lead to the automatic election of George E. Duell Morgan without real electoral competition.