Story Created:
Nov 21, 2007
Story Updated:
Nov 21, 2007
Milwaukee Alderman Michael McGee Jr. this week has filed one of about a half dozen forms that are required for candidates to get on the ballot for this April's election in Milwaukee. Despite the fact that he's being held in jail as he awaits trial on a myriad of state and federal charges, McGee was able this week to file what's known as a declaration of candidacy.
According to Neil Albrecht, the Election Commission's Deputy Director, there's nothing currently that prevents McGee from running for office. If McGee were convicted of a felony, he would no longer be able to hold office. Albrecht says if that conviction was to happen early enough, McGee's name would simply be removed from the ballot.
It's possible, however, that if there was a conviction too close to the election that voters could elect McGee even though he wouldn't be able to accept the position. If that was to happen there would likely be a special election.
If McGee is still awaiting trial, it's possible that he could be re-elected while sitting behind bars.
Albrecht says to get on the ballot, McGee would still need to file a campaign registration statement and then get 200 to 400 signatures from people in his district.
