(AP) -- The state Election Commission says candidates tossed off next month's primary ballots because of a court decision will get their filing fees back.
Commission spokesman Chris Whitmire said Thursday the agency is returning about $194,000 paid by 193 former candidates.
The candidates were booted from the June 12 primaries after the state Supreme Court ruled last month on a lawsuit involving improperly filed paperwork. The justices ruled state law requires those seeking office to file a "statement of economic interest" at the same time they file for candidacy.
Whitmire says the state Republican and Democratic parties should each get a check next week to distribute through the county parties.
The state GOP will receive more than $79,000 for 82 refunds. The Democrats will get more than $114,000 for 111 candidates.
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