Five candidates file appeals after removals

YOUNGSTOWN -- Five would-be candidates kicked off the Nov. 6 ballot by the Mahoning County Board of Elections have filed appeals with the body.
Elections board Director Michael V. Sciortino said the board voted to disqualify the candidates last week in accordance with state law, but will hear the validity of the appeals at a hearing Monday.
The five were removed for a variety of reasons, including not signing their statement of candidacy, putting the wrong date or no date on their statements, getting signatures on their petitions before signing the statement and in one case, not being old enough to circulate petitions.
The five are: Lowellville Councilman Keith McCaughtry; Richard Watson, Smith Township trustee candidate; Marilyn J. Bartholomew, Craig Beach Village Council candidate; and Larry Swallow and Steven Fannin, both West Branch Board of Education candidates.