Re “Morrissey strikes out in court,” April 16-18 edition:

I am a single, African-American mother who never has been actively engaged in Democratic politics — until now. I also am an avid reader of the Richmond Free Press and give kudos to Jeremy Lazarus for his well-written story regarding the Democratic Party rejecting Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey’s petitions and not allowing him on the ballot for the June 9 primary.

I am highly offended that the Democratic Party that champions inclusivity and expanding voters’ rights would reject Mr. Morrissey’s petitions to get on the ballot.

I don’t know exactly what happened, but something smells. Mr. Morrissey only needed 250 signatures and he filed 972 signatures. Why did the Democratic Party reject 750 of his signatures and why are they trying to keep Mr. Morrissey off the ballot? Why is the Democratic Party that Mr. Morrissey has served faithfully for more than seven years so afraid of him?

Every person with whom I have spoken, both at work and in my neighborhood, are as outraged as I am. I hope Mr. Morrissey runs as an independent, and I, for one, will not only work for him, but I already have sent a letter to his office and plan on campaigning for him as well!

Michele Pope

Hopewell