Sikh Temple Election Votes Upheld

October 28, 2008

Author: Ryan McCarthy

Source: The Appeal-Democrat

[appeal-democrat.com/news/temple_70355___article.html/election_court.html]

An election at a Sikh temple in Yuba City, challenged in court over allegations that included two people in a voting booth at the same time, was upheld Monday by a Sutter County Superior Court judge.

"We're not here to impose our values on a religious organization," Judge Perry Parker said in turning down the challenge by current temple president Didar Bains to the Sept. 6-7 election at the Sikh temple on Tierra Buena Road.

Parker said it's possible people who may not have understood English were being assisted by others, accounting for more than one person in a voting booth.

A total of 73 directors were elected last month. Their taking office in January is expected to end Bains' presidency.