Bill > HB196

This bill amends Ohio election law to expand who can protest a candidate's nomination and requires candidates to disclose former names on candidacy forms. Specifically, the bill allows any elector eligible to vote in a general election to file a protest against a candidate's party nomination, even if they are not a member of that party. The grounds for protest now include challenges based on a candidate's citizenship status, age eligibility, term or age limits, criminal convictions, or other specific legal violations. The bill also requires candidates who have changed their name within the past five years to list their former names on candidacy forms in a designated space, with exceptions for name changes due to marriage. If a candidate is elected without disclosing a previous name, they can be suspended from office and required to repay any salary received. These changes aim to increase transparency in the candidate nomination process and provide more opportunities for voters to challenge candidate eligibility.

Government Affairs

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb196