COLEMAN v. SEQUOYAH COUNTY ELECTION BD

Original jurisdiction is assumed.

There are no common law pre-election remedies to challenge the qualifications of a candidate for public office. The Legislature has provided in 26 O.S. 1981 § 5-118[ 26-5-118] the exclusive method for a candidate to contest the candidacy of any other candidate. Murphy v. Darnell, 268 P.2d 860 (Okla. 1954). A petition pursuant to § 5-118 must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. on the second day following the close of the filing period. 26 O.S. 1981 § 5-119[ 26-5-119]. A petition for irregularities pursuant to 26 O.S. 1981 § 8-120[ 26-8-120] may not be used by the petitioner as an alternative remedy to 26 O.S. 1981 § 5-118[ 26-5-118]. The petitioner's petition filed three days after the primary election and contesting the candidacy of another candidate for the same office is untimely. 26 O.S. 1981 § 5-119[ 26-5-119]. The application for a writ of mandamus and/or prohibition is denied.

DOOLIN, C.J., HARGRAVE, V.C.J., and HODGES, LAVENDER, SIMMS, OPALA, ALMA WILSON and SUMMERS, JJ., concur.

KAUGER, J., disqualified.