Author Archives: Thomas D. Shults, Esq.

Thomas D. Shults, Esq.

About Thomas D. Shults, Esq.

Tom Shults is a Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer. He has represented clients in election and sunshine law issues, complex business and commercial disputes and probate and trust suits. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1983 and has maintained an active trial practice in state and federal courts for over 35 years. Mr. Shults successfully represented the Sarasota Alliance for Fair Elections in Sarasota Alliance for Fair Elections et al. v. Browning et al. , where the Florida Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of Sarasota County’s charter election law amendments. Mr. Shults has served on the Professional Ethics Committee of The Florida Bar and is the past Chairman of the Code and Rules of Evidence Committee of The Florida Bar. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Community Service Award of the Sarasota County Bar Association for his work with the Sarasota Mental Health Community Centers. In 2013 he was nominated for circuit court judge by the 12th Circuit Judicial Nominating Committee. Mr. Shults has served on the faculty of the Kessler-Eidson Program for Trial Techniques at Emory University School of Law and on the faculty of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy Program for Practicing Lawyers at Nova Southeastern University School of Law. Mr. Shults grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida and is a graduate of St. Petersburg High School (1973), Florida State University (B.S. 1977) and Washburn University School of Law (J.D. cum laude 1982). He is veteran of the United States Army.

Do Mail-In Ballots Invite Election Fraud?

The 2020 primary and general elections will see historic highs in the use of mail-in ballots. As a result a partisan debate has erupted over whether the widespread use of mail-in ballots is an invitation to election fraud.  Two studies … Continue reading

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U.S. Senate Will Be Final Judge in Scott v. Nelson Contest

While the close senate race in Florida is causing each campaign to sharpen their litigation knives, it is important to remember that ultimately it is the United States Senate, not the courts, that has the power to decide the issue. … Continue reading

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How Florida Recounts Work

Because there may be several statewide recounts as a result of the 2018 Midterm Election, now is probably a good time to review how the Florida recount process works. After all the ballots are initially counted, if the vote spread … Continue reading

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The History of Voting in America

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Federal Court: Florida Election Statute “Illogical, Irrational and Patently Bizarre” Orders State to Allow Correction of Mismatched Signature Ballots

Florida Northern U.S. District Court Judge Mark Walker has entered another order in a case initiated by the Florida Democratic Party against the State.  In an Order Granting Preliminary Injunction, the Court found that “[i]t is illogical, irrational and patently bizarre for … Continue reading

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Posted in Absentee Ballot, Florida Voting Issues, Litigation Updates, News, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Court Finds Florida’s “Statutory Framework” Unconstitutional-Extends Voter Registration Deadline

Federal Northern District Court Judge Mark Walker has entered a temporary restraining order which requires Florida officials to accept voter registrations until 5pm October 12th 2016, which is one day beyond the statutory deadline set by F.S. 95.055. In doing … Continue reading

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Posted in Florida Voting Issues, Litigation Updates, News, Uncategorized, Voter registration | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment