Nelson v. Welch

COULSON, Justice.

This is an original proceeding in which Scott Nelson and Jimmy Smith (relators) seek a writ of mandamus to compel Louie Welch, the Mayor of the City of Houston, and the Houston City Council to accept their applications to appear on the ballot as candidates for the office of Mayor in the municipal election scheduled for November 6, 1973. Relators have failed to tender either the .filing fee required in the City Charter or submit petitions signed by qualified voters as required by municipal ordinance.

The issue is whether a Court of Civil Appeals has the authority to compel an…