LaRose’s Double Standard on Ballot Challenges Further Exposed with Fischer Vote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

09/07/24

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has cast the tie-breaking vote in the ballot challenge brought against Republican State Representative Tex Fischer. The challenge, initiated by Mahoning County Democratic Party Chair Chris Anderson last month, questioned Fischer's eligibility due to a name change within the past five years—an issue he failed to disclose on campaign documents filed with the Board of Elections.

A previous vote by the Mahoning County Board of Elections ended in a party-line tie, leaving LaRose with the final decision. While LaRose voted to allow Fischer to remain on the ballot, this decision brings to light a glaring inconsistency. Earlier this year, the same provision was invoked to disqualify one transgender candidate and challenge the candidacies of two others—myself included.

LaRose publicly stated in February that this law applies equally to all candidates, telling The New York Times there were "no plans to amend it." His spokesperson, Melanie Amato, reiterated that "the law applies to everyone." Yet, with Fischer, LaRose's actions contradict his words.

While I’ve made clear my opposition to using this provision to remove any candidate from the ballot, including Fischer, this latest vote reveals a disturbing pattern. It seems LaRose only supports such removals when the candidate in question is transgender. This selective enforcement underscores the hypocrisy of the Ohio GOP and lays bare the discriminatory intent behind this provision’s application. Secretary LaRose’s vote is not just a political decision—it’s a stark message that discrimination against trans candidates is tolerated, if not encouraged, by his office.

Arienne Childrey

Democratic Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives, District 84