Former state Sen. Arthur H. Helton, a longtime political rainmaker, can no longer vote in Aberdeen elections because he does not meet residency requirements, the State Board of Elections ruled.
Helton, who rehabilitates old properties in Aberdeen, lives primarily at a Darlington farmhouse with his wife, Ann, not at the Parke Street address listed on his most recent voter registration, the board found.
Still active in Aberdeen politics, Helton backed former Mayor S. Fred Simmons and former City Council President Mike Hiob two years ago, then supported current Mayor Mike Bennett in November?s municipal election.
Helton leads the new mayor?s transition team, a position he says he is still suited for despite the ruling.
“I pay more taxes to Aberdeen and own more properties in the city than anyone else on the council,” Helton said, adding that he owns 25 properties.
“I?m well-invested in this city. I?ve been here for over 40 years and I probably know the processes pretty well by now.” Helton did not vote in the most recent Aberdeen election.
Since 2002, the board found, Helton had changedhis registration five times among four addresses in Aberdeen, Havre de Grace and Darlington.
“His voter registration activity ? evidences a sincere belief that he is free to shift his voter registration at will among properties that he owns,” wrote Judith A. Arnold, author of the board?s decision. “I believe that Senator Helton is mistaken as a matter of law, but I have no reason to question the sincerity of his mistaken beliefs.”
Steven Johnson, another candidate endorsed by Helton?s New Democratic Club, faced a similar challenge after the Harford Board of Elections ruled his primary residence was in Perryman, not the Aberdeen apartment property he owned and listed on his registration.
Johnson took the city to court, but dropped the case when a judge?s injunction nearly delayed the election by months.
