Rep. Fischer aims to ease name-change ballot rules
State Rep. Tex Fischer, whose eligibility as a candidate in 2024 was decided by the Ohio secretary of state because of a name change, introduced legislation that would not require candidates to use their former names on future ballots. Fischer, R-Canfield, said he hopes the state Legislature could pass the bill after the Nov. 3 election. “I’m not sure of its prospects,” Fischer said of the bill. “But it’s something that should be addressed.” Fischer changed his name May 19, 2020, from Austin James Fischer to Austin James Texford Fischer. Under state law, “If any ...