Oklahoma City Council Ward 2 candidates battle over voting records

Earlier this week, Charlie Swinton issued a news release criticizing his opponent Ed Shadid for not voting in local elections.

While an analysis of voting records confirmed Swinton's claims, The Oklahoman also found that Swinton failed to vote in some of the elections he criticized Shadid for missing.

Shadid, 42, a spinal surgeon, and Swinton, 61, a senior officer with BancFirst, qualified for a runoff after the March 1 primary for the small north-central Oklahoma City ward.

“He didn't vote in local elections, and I think that's a terrible thing for someone that wants to hold public office,” Swinton said

In the news release, Swinton said Shadid did not vote in nine local elections since 2000 — mayoral elections in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010; MAPS for Kids in 2001; a Ward 2 election in 2003; a citywide bond election in 2007; an election to upgrade the Oklahoma City Arena in 2008 and MAPS 3 in 2009.

“Like 90 percent of Oklahoma Cityans, I felt disenfranchised with the system,” Shadid responded. “I felt like big money basically determined these elections. Any other year, Mr. Swinton would have walked into city council with his backing.”