NC Senator proposes measure blocking felons from sheriff's office

March 31, 2010

RALEIGH, North Carolina: A proposed constitutional change, also known as Senate Bill 351, has been introduced to alter the state constitution to prohibit convicted felons from running for sheriff in the state. The measure was introduced by Senator Stan Bingham in light of the Davidson County sheriff race where candidate Gerald Hege is running as a convicted felon. Hege is running for the position five years after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice charges.

According to Bingham, "I was actually called by four different sheriffs in four counties who had concerns about this because of the working relationship they had in the past." Hege stated, "It's a great expense to do all of this to stop one man from running for sheriff-to protect your neighbor and friend."

The measure may appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot in the state of North Carolina as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment.

See also

• North Carolina Sheriff Election Amendment (2010)
• North Carolina 2010 ballot measures
• North Carolina Legislature