The bill amends the Revised Code to enhance the candidacy process for public office in Ohio by allowing any eligible elector, regardless of political affiliation, to file protests against a candidate's nomination based on specific ineligibility criteria, such as lack of U.S. citizenship or criminal convictions. It introduces a new section, 3513.053, detailing the protest process and mandates that candidates who have changed their names within the last five years disclose their former names on their candidacy forms. Failure to comply will result in immediate suspension from office and liability for any salary received while in office. The bill also clarifies that the board of elections will manage these protests similarly to existing procedures for party nominations.

Additionally, the bill specifies the form and content of candidacy declarations and nominating petitions, requiring candidates to affirm their qualifications under penalty of election falsification. It emphasizes that nominating petitions must contain signatures from electors of only one county per paper and outlines the filing process based on election jurisdiction. The bill also repeals several existing sections of the Revised Code, streamlining regulations and ensuring more inclusive language by changing references from "his" candidacy to "the person's" candidacy. Overall, the bill aims to improve electoral transparency and inclusivity while updating the legal framework governing candidate eligibility.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3513.041, 3513.05, 3513.06, 3513.07, 3513.261, 3513.271