Creech, King Reintroduce Legislation to Challenge Political Candidates

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria) and Angie King (R-Celina) have reintroduced legislation from the 135th General Assembly to allow any registered voter to protest an individual’s candidacy for a political party nomination.

Current law only allows for a registered voter to protest nominations under their specified party. Under this legislation, any eligible voter will be able to protest nominations, regardless of political affiliation.

“The ability to protest a primary candidate’s ineligibility to hold office shouldn’t be partisan,” said King. “Under HB 196, where declaration and petitions do not conform to the requirements specified by law, electors of either party can alert the Board of Elections to a possible defect in a candidate’s petition. It is disingenuous to both the candidate and voters to place a candidate on the ballot who is legally unable to serve. This simple, yet important legislation ensures voters have a meaningful choice of candidates.” 

“This legislation will improve election integrity, ultimately strengthening voter confidence in Ohio’s election process,” said Creech.

This bill will codify the existing reasons, outlined below, under which any eligible voter may protest candidacy for a political party nomination:

• The individual is not a U.S. citizen;
• The individual does not meet the minimum age requirements to hold office;
• The individual would exceed an applicable term or age limit;
• The individual has a criminal conviction; or
• The individual does not include their former name on required documentation to run for office.

The legislation awaits a House committee assignment.