Opinion ID: 2003112
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: jurisdiction

Text: The trial court lacked jurisdiction to hear the post-election challenge to Pederson's eligibility. Jurisdiction is the power of the court to hear and determine the subject matter in controversy between the parties. St. Paul Mercury Ins. v. Circuit Court, 348 Ark. 197, 73 S.W.3d 584 (2002). We have made it clear that subject-matter jurisdiction is always open, cannot be waived, can be questioned for the first time on appeal, and can even be raised by this court. Judkins v. Hoover, 351 Ark. 552, 95 S.W.3d 768 (2003). The right to contest an election is purely statutory. McCastlain v. Elmore, 340 Ark. 365, 10 S.W.3d 835 (2000); Casey v. Burdine, 214 Ark. 680, 217 S.W.2d 613 (1949). Stracener and Harvey challenge Pederson's eligibility. A statutory right to challenge the eligibility of a candidate before the election is provided in Ark.Code Ann. § 7-5-207 (Repl.2000). State v. Craighead County Bd. of Election Comm'rs, 300 Ark. 405, 779 S.W.2d 169 (1989). However, this statutory procedure only allows pre-election challenges to a candidate's eligibility. Helton v. Jacobs, 346 Ark. 344, 57 S.W.3d 180 (2001). The only private post-election right to challenge an election is under Ark.Code Ann. § 7-5-801 (Repl.2000), which provides for a challenge by a candidate to contest certification by the county board of election commissioners. This statute is not applicable. Neither Stracener nor Harvey were candidates. Further, eligibility was challenged rather than certification of a winner. Therefore, the trial court was without jurisdiction to hear the action. Quo Warranto The statutory remedy in this case would be to bring a petition for a writ quo warranto. Usurpation of office is discussed in Ark.Code Ann. § 16-118-105 (Supp.2003), and provides in pertinent part: (b)(1) Whenever a person usurps an office or franchise to which he is not entitled by law, an action by proceedings at law may be instituted against him, either by the state or the party entitled to the office or franchise, to prevent the usurper from exercising the office or franchise. (2) A person who continues to exercise an office after having committed an act, or omitted to do an act, of which the commission or omission, by law, created a forfeiture of his office, shall be subject to be proceeded against for a usurpation thereof. (3)(A) It shall be the duty of the prosecuting attorney to institute the actions mentioned in this section against all persons who usurp county offices or franchises where there is no other person entitled thereto or the person entitled fails to institute the action for three (3) months after the usurpation. Ark.Code Ann. § 16-118-105 (Supp.2003). The action allowed under Ark.Code Ann. § 16-118-105 is a petition for a writ quo warranto. Magnus v. Carr, 350 Ark. 388, 86 S.W.3d 867 (2002). However, a petition for a writ quo warranto in this case must be initiated by the State. Magnus, supra ; Cummings v. Washington County Election Comm'n, 291 Ark. 354, 724 S.W.2d 486 (1987); Moody v. Lowrimore, 74 Ark. 421, 86 S.W. 400 (1905). In this case, Pederson was certified the winner of an election to Justice of the Peace, and it is alleged that he is not qualified to serve. Therefore, the action available is a petition for a writ quo warranto, which must be brought by the prosecuting attorney. Reversed and dismissed.