Manning Introduces Legislation Clarifying Local Election Laws
October 30, 2019
Nathan H. Manning News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) introduced legislation today to clarify election laws. The bill removes a provision in existing law which states a candidate who appeared on the primary ballot is ineligible to fill a ballot vacancy for any position on the November ballot.
"After working with local officials it's clear this law is unnecessary and that it creates confusion for those seeking public office," said Manning. "A primary candidate should not be eliminated from the opportunity to be appointed to fill a vacancy in the general election. We want the best, most qualified candidates appointed to fill these vacancies; they should not be eliminated from consideration for arbitrary reasons." This legislation addresses the issues that recently arose in the City of Lorain when 5 out of 6 candidates were disqualified from being appointed to fill the vacancy on the ballot for mayor due to the fact they ran in the primary for different positions.
Mary Springowski, a candidate disqualified from filling the Lorain mayoral ballot vacancy said, “The way this law was interpreted was not the intent of the law, and I am happy to see the language changed to reflect the true intent. I am truly grateful Senator Manning supports the people of Lorain being able to have a greater voice in choosing their elected leaders.”
Former Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer said, “When I decided to pursue a career opportunity that was better for my growing family, I assumed the appointment process would play out as it had in past vacancies. What occurred was patently unfair to all potential candidates who were disqualified. The law should be remedied immediately so this never happens again. More participation should be the goal – not less.”
"After working with local officials it's clear this law is unnecessary and that it creates confusion for those seeking public office," said Manning. "A primary candidate should not be eliminated from the opportunity to be appointed to fill a vacancy in the general election. We want the best, most qualified candidates appointed to fill these vacancies; they should not be eliminated from consideration for arbitrary reasons." This legislation addresses the issues that recently arose in the City of Lorain when 5 out of 6 candidates were disqualified from being appointed to fill the vacancy on the ballot for mayor due to the fact they ran in the primary for different positions.
Mary Springowski, a candidate disqualified from filling the Lorain mayoral ballot vacancy said, “The way this law was interpreted was not the intent of the law, and I am happy to see the language changed to reflect the true intent. I am truly grateful Senator Manning supports the people of Lorain being able to have a greater voice in choosing their elected leaders.”
Former Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer said, “When I decided to pursue a career opportunity that was better for my growing family, I assumed the appointment process would play out as it had in past vacancies. What occurred was patently unfair to all potential candidates who were disqualified. The law should be remedied immediately so this never happens again. More participation should be the goal – not less.”