Any 5-year-old who has strict parents or an experienced disciplinarian teacher can confirm that actions have consequences.

It’s only later in life that we realize sometimes inactions have consequences, too.

Two Concordia Parish elected officials learned that lesson the hard way.

The Louisiana Board of Ethics has challenged the candidacy of Ferriday Alderwoman Somer Lance and Vidalia Alderwoman Maureen “Mo” Saunders.

The state board charged with enforcing ethics in government contends that Lance certified on her qualifying form that she owed no outstanding fines, fees or penalties, when, in fact, she owes the state $1,500 in fines related to never filing a 2012 financial disclosure statement.

Lance contends she simply forgot about the form and took ownership for the mistake.

A judge ruled Tuesday that Lance was ineligible to run for office.

Saunders is being challenged for a similar reason. She was 70 days late on filing her 2013 financial disclosure. Her fine was also $1,500. The state ethics board’s website suggests Saunders has paid $100 on the fine, which indicates she knew the fine existed and was owed.

In a bizarre turn of events Tuesday, Judge John Reeves first declared Saunders ineligible as well — which seems fitting given the circumstances and the treatment of Lance.

Then 13 minutes later Reeves reversed his ruling. State Ethics Administrator Kathleen Allen says the state will appeal the ruling.

Clearly, if the fine is legitimately owed, Saunders’ candidacy needs to be nullified.

Rules are made to be followed and elected officials need to be held to a high standard.