Here's Why a Transgender Candidate Was Disqualified From Running for Office
TownhallDec 30, 2023
The Facts
Arienne Childrey, a transgender Auglaize County Democratic candidate for the Republican-majority Ohio House, could be disqualified from the ballot for not including her former name on petitions. The Mercer County Board of Elections is scheduled to vote on Childrey's eligibility Thursday.
An Ohio elections law requires candidates to disclose any name changes in the past five years on their paperwork except in the case of marriage. However, there's no mention of the law in the 33-page candidate guide, nor is there a place on the petition paperwork to list former names.
The Spin
Left narrative
This is why these transgender candidates are running for office. It seems extreme-right politicians won't just stop at passing anti-trans legislation, they're also willing to unevenly enforce laws that are already on the books. This is just another way to block transgender people from representing their community and working to protect those who are being dangerously marginalized.
Right narrative
It's vital that voters know the identity — and past identities — of candidates for office. Without that transparency, voters can't judge the candidates on their record, their experiences, and their relationships. Some of these transgender candidates have said they would have complied with the law if they knew about it. Then this isn't a case of legislation unfairly punishing transgender candidates, but of transgender candidates not doing their homework before running.
