Protest challenges Kinston council candidate’s eligibility
A formal protest has been filed against Quarla Blackwell, a candidate for an at-large seat on the Kinston City Council, arguing she is ineligible to serve because she is on probation following a felony conviction.
Sean Keenan, a Kinston attorney and chair of the Lenoir County Republican Party, filed the protest with the Lenoir County Board of Elections. The filing points to Blackwell’s 2023 conviction for felony attempt to flee to elude arrest. Court records show she is still serving a term of probation. Under North Carolina law, an individual whose citizenship rights have not been fully restored, including those still on probation, cannot hold elected office.
”This isn’t about politics, it’s simply about the law. Her current probationary status makes her ineligible to run for office,” said Keenan. “That is all.”
Normally, questions about a candidate’s qualifications must be raised as a “candidate challenge” within 10 business days after the close of the filing period. Blackwell filed for office in July, which meant the challenge window closed in late July. Keenan’s complaint came after that deadline, so the matter is being handled instead as an election protest.
Keenan framed the matter strictly as a legal issue. Blackwell, however, offered a sharp and personal rebuttal.
”Figure it out for yourself… you had my number also YOU ALL CAN KISS MY ASS … now run REPORT THAT and embrace yourself.” Blackwell said in an email to Neuse News.
According to the Lenoir County Board of Elections, because ballots have already been printed, Blackwell’s name will remain on the ballot for the Nov. 4 municipal election. The protest will not be heard before voters go to the polls. Instead, the county elections board will take it up after the election is certified.
At that point, the board will hold a hearing to decide whether there is substantial evidence that Blackwell was ineligible and whether that ineligibility affected the outcome of the race. Possible outcomes could include correcting results or ordering a new election.
*Article edited after publication to add Candidate Blackwell’s emailed response.
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