Ohio actually has a law that says if you legally change your name within the last 5 years, it has to be on the petition. In the article it mentions that there is no place for a previous name (dead name in this instance) on the petition, and the Secretary of State’s candidate guide doesn’t mention this requirement at all.
Apparently other trans candidates had their petitions accepted with no problem.
What escapes dickwads like derphurr is that the law is not the same as justice. People aren’t arguing that the law doesn’t require the disclosure. They are arguing that this case is different because it’s a person who transitioned and that being required to out oneself as trans in order to run for office is a very different requirement than being forced to reveal your old name. The law is not just, and of course it was written without any consideration of trans people - much like the 2nd amendment was written without the remotest concept of what a single person can do to an elementary school with an AR-15. It’s perfectly possible to argue that the law should be enforced until it is changed while acknowledging that it’s unfair. But that would require empathy. And not being an asshole.
Excellent take. I appreciate your taking the time to ponder and respond.