Non-incumbents running for election have been liberated from being required to use “for” in front of the offices they seek.
The Frankin County Court of Appeals, citing a federal appellate court decision rejecting false-statement election laws, has overturned a section of state law prohibiting the use of the title of an office not held by a candidate that implies they hold that office.
For example, “John Jones for County Commissioner long has been an OK use for a non-incumbent. “ John Jones, County Commissioner” has not.
The state court ruling came in a case filed by a candidate for Ashtabula County treasurer, who contended there was no proof she intended to mislead voters in 2012 when she inadvertently failed to put the word “for” in front of “treasurer.”