The bill amends various sections of the Revised Code to require that state and school district board members be nominated through primary elections and appear on the ballot with a party designation. It modifies sections 3311.053, 3501.01, 3505.03, 3505.04, 3513.04, 3513.05, 3513.052, and 3513.19, while repealing sections 3513.254, 3513.255, 3513.256, and 3513.259. The repeal of these sections eliminates the need for candidates for educational service center governing boards to file a nominating petition, thereby streamlining the nomination process. The bill also introduces new language to ensure that candidates for the state board of education and local boards of education are included on the official ballot, enhancing their visibility and party affiliations during elections.

Additionally, the bill outlines new requirements for the ballot structure, including the rotation of candidate names for fairness and clear instructions for voters regarding the number of candidates to be elected. It establishes guidelines to prevent candidates from seeking nomination for multiple offices simultaneously and clarifies the disqualification process for candidates who violate this rule. The bill also addresses the handling of challenges to a voter's eligibility during primary elections and introduces definitions related to the withdrawal of candidacy. Overall, these amendments aim to increase political accountability, streamline the election process, and maintain the integrity of candidacy declarations in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3311.053, 3501.01, 3505.03, 3505.04, 3513.04, 3513.05, 3513.052, 3513.19, 3513.254, 3513.255, 3513.256, 3513.259