Fact Check: "18 candidates filed for mayor and commissioner seats before election delay!"
What We Know
The claim states that "18 candidates filed for mayor and commissioner seats before election delay." However, the specific context of this claim is not fully substantiated by the available sources. The upcoming municipal election for the City of Lake Wales is scheduled for April 1, 2025, with a qualifying period for candidates set to begin on February 10, 2025, and end on February 14, 2025 (source-3). This means that, as of now, candidates have not yet officially filed for these positions, as the filing period has not yet opened.
Analysis
The assertion that 18 candidates have already filed is misleading given the timeline outlined for the election. The qualifying period has not yet commenced, which means no candidates can officially file until that time. The information regarding the election and the process for candidates is clearly laid out in the notice from the City of Lake Wales, which specifies the dates for candidate qualification and the requirements for filing (source-3).
Moreover, the claim lacks citation from credible sources that would support the existence of 18 candidates prior to the official filing period. The only relevant data available pertains to the upcoming election and its procedures, which do not indicate any candidates have filed as of now.
The sources that detail campaign finance and candidate filings (source-1) do not provide any information about candidates for the Lake Wales election specifically, further indicating that the claim may not be based on verifiable data.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim that "18 candidates filed for mayor and commissioner seats before election delay" is not supported by the current timeline and regulations surrounding the election process in Lake Wales. The qualifying period for candidates has not yet begun, and therefore, it is impossible for any candidates to have officially filed. Further research and verification will be necessary once the filing period opens to determine the actual number of candidates who choose to run.
