Turkey Creek mayor claims election fraud

Turkey Creek Mayor Heather Cloud has filed suit challenging the election results in which she lost re-election to her opponent, Bert Keith Campbell, by a vote of 110 to 106. Cloud’s suit claims that Campbell paid residents for their votes and included several affidavits in the suit to prove her case.
According to the suit, Cloud claims her opponent, with the assistance of Stanley Leger, offered $15 for residents’ votes. Four affidavits included with the suit and signed by the voters in question state that these residents were offered money and given a sheet of paper with Campbell’s number (169) on it.
In addition to the $15, one resident, Grace Ann Carpenter, was also promised by Leger that she would be allowed to lead the annual Turkey Creek Christmas parade and receive a trophy. Another voter, Todd William Tomerlin, claims in an affidavit that he was promised a bicycle on top of the $15. Also included in the suit are affidavits from voters who claim they were approached with this offer by Campbell and/or Leger, though these voters did not follow through in casting a ballot in the election.
Cloud argues in her suit that since these voters claimed in their affidavits that they would have supported her race for re-election had they not been “bribed,” then their votes should be added to her total, making her the victor in the November 4, election.
Both 13th Judicial District court judges have recused themselves from this case “to avoid any appearance of impropriety.” At press time, it was still unclear who would be brought in to preside over the lawsuit, which is scheduled to be heard Monday morning at 9 a.m. in Judge J. Larry Vidrine’s courtroom.
In a written statement to The Gazette, Cloud said:
“I am a strong advocate for what is right, and I value my constitutional right to vote. Voter fraud is a widespread issue that is not addressed nearly enough in our society. What a privilege it is to have the right to vote, and what a privilege it is to live in a democratic society, but when elections are bought, democracy is abandoned and our right to vote is hijacked. We the people have to take this illegal practice seriously now to protect our future.
“I have been a victim of voter fraud in Turkey Creek during this November 4, election and a victim of the “Good Ol’ Boy Politics.” I stepped out at age 28 to make a difference in our village government and our village has made strides in accountability and efficiency over the last four years, but I now realize that the good work done in the village office can all be negated by a corrupt political race.
“These are not just allegations of voter fraud in Turkey Creek; it did happen. This election was bought and I am fighting for every voter in Turkey Creek. I am fighting for our constitutional rights. This issue is much bigger than a job. It is much bigger than winning or losing. This is a stand for democracy itself.
“I pray that this case brings about change for the future of elections in Turkey Creek and across the entire State of Louisiana. Our court system and our government agencies must take a stand against voter fraud in order to preserve our freedoms. We must pull this corruption out by its very roots.”
The Gazette was unable to reach Campbell for comment on this suit. However, according to a KVPI report, Campbell has denied the accusations, stating “As far as I am concerned, there was no vote buying. I know nothing of this and I beat Ms. Cloud because I went out and signed up 30 new registered voters. I never offered anyone money for a vote.”