In his Sunday order, LaRose mandated the Franklin, Montgomery and Licking county boards of elections to accept the petitions of the candidates and certify them if they qualify. Those counties, along with Fairfield and Perry counties, must amend their ballots if necessary.
“Ballots have already gone out to those Ohioans living and serving overseas, but the court’s irresponsible ruling now requires county election officials to send them new ballots to accommodate candidates who filed illegal petitions,” LaRose, a Republican, said in a statement. “This ignores the rule of law, sets a terrible precedent, and causes an unnecessary disservice to Ohio voters, especially those serving in our military.”
Several candidates missed the original February filing deadline as there were no maps in place. Once a federal three-judge panel ruled they would implement one of the unconstitutional maps by May 3, the candidates submitted their petitions.