ST. CROIX — In a single-paragraph handwritten complaint filed today in Superior Court, Division of St. Thomas and St. John, Stephen “Smokey” Frett is seeking judicial review of Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes’ decision to disqualify his gubernatorial candidacy after she determined his prospective running mate, Derek Bermudez, was ineligible because he is not a registered voter in the territory.
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Frett, a former senator representing the St. Thomas/St. John District, filed the lawsuit pro se against Fawkes, seeking declaratory relief that would allow his name to appear on the ballot. He states that he appealed Fawkes’ decision and attached several documents to his complaint, including an undated appeal letter, an affidavit signed June 3 in support of his appeal, and a June 9 letter requesting administrative relief, reconsideration of his disqualification, and additional time to secure a qualified replacement running mate.
Frett argues he was not given a meaningful opportunity to cure the alleged defect, substitute a running mate or otherwise remedy the issue. He contends the decision to disqualify him was arbitrary and inconsistent with the application of election laws and that he was deprived of due process and a proper investigation into the matter.
In a letter addressed to “Your Honor” attached to the complaint, Frett wrote that the case is not simply about whether a candidate met a qualification requirement, but whether election laws were applied fairly, consistently and with due process. Frett asked the court to review the Elections System’s actions and grant any relief it deems just and proper.
