More trans candidates face challenges running for office in Ohio for omitting their former names
[link:More trans candidates face challenges running for office in Ohio for omitting their former names|https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/trans-candidates-face-challenges-running-office-ohio-omitting-former-n-rcna134190] (NBC)
COLUMBUS, Ohio Several transgender candidates for state office in Ohio are facing challenges and even outright disqualification for omitting their former names from petition paperwork under a little-known state elections law, confronting a unique dilemma as they vie for office in increasing numbers in the face of anti-LBGTQ legislation.
Three of the four transgender candidates hoping to win Democratic seats in the Republican-dominated Ohio House and Senate have either been challenged or disqualified for not putting their former name also called a deadname on circulating petitions to get on the ballot. But state law mandates that candidates list any name changes in the last five years, though it isnt in the Secretary of States 33-page candidate requirement guide.
Additionally, the petition paperwork does not have a place to list any former names and exempts name changes due to marriage.
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