In the case State ex rel. Grumbles v. Delaware Cty. Bd. Of Elections, Slip Opinion No. 2021-Ohio-3132, the Ohio Supreme Court granted a writ of mandamus to compel the Delaware County Board of Elections (“Board”) to allow a candidate’s name to be placed on an election ballot when that same candidate was currently serving a different four-year term for a different position.
In this case, Realtor, who was currently serving a four-year term as Orange Township trustee, sought to be placed on the ballot for the November 2, 2021, election as a candidate for a different Orange Township Trustee position with a different four-year term. The Board argued that the Realtor was ineligible to run for election to an office in which Realtor was already holding a position. The Ohio Supreme Court disagreed.
The Court argued that there was no statutory provision that prohibited Realtor from being elected to a different seat on the same Board of Trustees. The Court further argued that because Realtor met the statutory requirements to run for Orange County trustee, a writ of mandamus compel the Board to add Realtor’s name to the upcoming ballot was proper.
To read this case, click here.
Authors: Matthew John Markling and the McGown & Markling Team.
Note: This blog entry does not constitute – nor does it contain – legal advice. Legal jurisprudence is like the always-changing Midwestern weather. As a result, this single blog entry cannot substitute for consultation with a McGown & Markling attorney. If legal advice is needed with respect to a specific factual situation, please feel free to contact a McGown & Markling attorney.