Ohio has quirky write-in law

YOUNGSTOWN — Candidates who run as write-ins typically do so because they failed to get on the ballot the traditional way, no one filed for a particular seat the traditional way, or they don’t like who’s running for a position so they seek the job.

But every four years since 1996, write-ins in Ohio partisan primaries don’t know who filed or didn’t file for offices before they declare their candidacy and don’t get a second chance to run if they’re disqualified as a traditional candidate.

That’s because on presidential primary years since 1996, the deadline to file as write-ins is two days before the final day candidates can submit nominating petitions to get their names on the primary ballot.

For example, the deadline to get your name on the ballot for the March primary is next Friday and the write-in deadline is Wednesday, two days earlier.

“It’s an interesting provision in the law,” said Jeff Ortega, an Ohio Secretary of State office spokesman. “It’s the way the law reads.”

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