Category: Run for Office

Run for Columbus City Council!

Starting this year Columbus City Council elections will be kinda based on 9 districts.
We say kinda, because while candidates will be required to reside within 1 of the 9 districts to run for that district, form a 5 person committee and collect 250 valid signatures from district residents, the actual primary and election will be _-= city wide =-_ (same as ever).

Yup.
The same 50k-ish voters will continue to control what happens in Columbus, despite the charter amendment that everyone thought was meant to adopt ward-style elections.

Signature Requirement (City Council) … Min. 250 – No Max.c
Filing Deadline … 4:00 p.m., February 1, 2023
Filing Fee … $45.00 ($20.00 petition filing fee & $25.00 O.E.C. fee)

Contact us to discuss next steps for forming your committee, collecting valid signatures, getting on the ballot and fundraising.

Find out what bullshit “district” you live in to run for Columbus City Council!

Source: https://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/BOEL-website/media/Election-Info/2023/(1)%20Primary%20Election%20-%20May%202,%202023/(1)%20Notices%20of%20Election/2023-Primary-Schedule-4.pdf

Run for Local Office!

Have you considered running for public office, but find yourself intimidated by all the rules and process?
We can help! We have experienced past candidates, and current elected officials, that can train, explain and help you through every step in the process!
If you ran for office before, consider running again, your odds actually go up on the second try!

The deadline for filing for the May Primary is 4:00 p.m., February 1, 2023! Write-In Filing Deadline, 4:00 p.m., February 21.

Here are the localities and roles up for election in Franklin County for 2023:

FRANKLIN COUNTY MUNICIPAL COURT
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of Judicial FDS, Notice of Judicial Candidate Seminars,
Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: Special Form 3-I (Franklin County)
Signature Requirement … Min. 50 – Max. 150
Filing Deadline … 4:00 p.m., February 1, 2023
Filing Fee … $80.00 ($50.00 petition filing fee & $30.00 O.E.C. fee)
Offices to be elected:
Judge, full term commencing 1-1-2024 … Andrea C. Peeples
Judge, full term commencing 1-2-2024 … Cindi Morehart
Judge, full term commencing 1-3-2024 … Jarrod B. Skinner
Clerk, full term commencing 1-1-2024 … Lori Tyack
Nominated by petition – these offices do not appear on the primary ballot.

CITY OF COLUMBUS
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of FDS, Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: Special Columbus – Single; Columbus City Council
Signature Requirement (Mayor) … Min. 1,000 – No Max.c
Signature Requirement (City Council) … Min. 250 – No Max.c
Filing Deadline … 4:00 p.m., February 1, 2023
Filing Fee … $45.00 ($20.00 petition filing fee & $25.00 O.E.C. fee)
Offices … Mayor (Ginther)
… Nine Council Seats (Districts 1 – 9)
Non-Partisan ballot. If no more than two candidates are certified for a contest, then no
primary election will be held.
Additional Requirements:
Petitions shall contain the names and addresses of five registered electors of the City of
Columbus designated in advance by the candidate or candidates as a nominating
committee.

CITY OF GAHANNA
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of FDS, Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: Special Form Gahanna Mayor Nominating Petition
Signature Requirement … Min. 50 – Max. 100
c
Filing Deadline … 4:00 p.m., February 1, 2023
Filing Fee … $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee)
Offices … Mayor (Jadwin)
A non-partisan primary for Mayor only. Two to be nominated.

CITY OF HILLIARD
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of FDS, Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: Form 2-I
Signature Requirement
Major Party …Min. 50 – Max. 150
Minor Party …..Min. 25 – Max. 75
Filing Deadline…4:00 p.m., February 1, 2023
Filing Fee … $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee)
Offices…Three Council Seats
(Marsh, Tarazi, Vermillion)
Partisan Primary – In the event the number of candidates from a political party is less
than or equal to the number of positions to be filled in the next General Election, then no
primary election need be held.
City of Hilliard – INDEPENDENTS:
Petition: Form 3-N
Signature Requirement ….. Min. 159 – Max. 477*
Filing Deadline….4:00 p.m., May 1, 2023
Filing Fee … $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee)
Additional requirements per charter – No group petitions and signers of petitions are
restricted to the number of offices to be voted on. Nominating Committee not required.

CITY OF REYNOLDSBURG
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of FDS, Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: Form 2-I
Signature Requirement
Major Party … Min. 50 – Max. 150 (Ward Council Min. 25 – Max. 75)
Minor Party ….. Min. 25 – Max. 75 (Ward Council Min. 13 – Max. 39)
Filing Deadline…4:00 p.m., February 1, 2023
Filing Fee … $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee)
Offices…Mayor (Begeny)
…City Attorney (Shook)
…President of Council (Jenkins)
…Council Wards 1, 2, 3 and 4
(1-Strickland, 2-Salvati, 3-Pyakurel, 4-Lawson-Rowe)
Partisan Primary – If the number of candidates from a political party is less than or
equal to the number of positions to be filled in the next General Election, then no primary
election need be held.
City of Reynoldsburg – INDEPENDENTS:
Petition: Form 3-N
Signature Requirement (Mayor, City Attorney, Pres of Council) Min. TBD – Max. TBD *
Signature Requirement… (Council Ward 1) Min. TBD – Max. TBD *
Signature Requirement… (Council Ward 2) Min. TBD – Max. TBD *
Signature Requirement… (Council Ward 3) Min. TBD – Max. TBD *
Signature Requirement… (Council Ward 4) Min. TBD – Max. TBD *
Filing Deadline….4:00 p.m., May 1, 2023
Filing Fee … $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee)
* Signatures required for independent candidates in the Hilliard and Reynoldsburg municipal elections are based on
1% of the total votes for governor at the 2022 General Election.

CITY OF WHITEHALL
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of FDS, Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: “Special – Whitehall”
Signature Requirement… Min. 30 – No Max.c
Filing Deadline…4:00 p.m., February 1, 2023
Filing Fee … $45.00 ($20.00 petition fee and $25.00 OEC fee)
Offices…Mayor (Maggard)
… Treasurer (Alexander)
… City Attorney (Bivens)
… President of Council (Potter)
……. Three Council-at-Large Seats
(Bailey, Conison, Kantor)
Non-Partisan Primary – If the number of persons filing such declaration does not exceed
twice the number of offices available for nomination, then no primary election shall be
held for such office. Nominating Committee not required.

VILLAGE OF BRICE charter
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: Form Brice Special
Signature Requirement…. Min. 10 – Max. 30c
Filing Deadline…4:00 p.m., February 1, 2023
Filing Fee … $30.00 ($10.00 petition fee and $20.00 OEC fee)
Offices…..Mayor
…..Two Council Seats
Non-Partisan Primary – If the number of persons filing such declaration does not exceed twice the number of offices available for nomination, then no primary election shall be held for such office. Petitions shall contain the names and addresses of five registered electors of the Village of Brice designated in advance by the candidate as a nominating
committee.

BOARD OF EDUCATION – COLUMBUS CSD
Handouts: Acknowledgement of Notice of FDS, Acknowledgement of Notice of ORC, Receipt
Petition: Form 2-V- Board of Education Primary (single candidate)
Petition: Board of Education Special (several candidates)
Signature Requirement…….Min. 300 – Max. 900
Filing Deadline…4:00 p.m., February 1, 2023
Filing Fee …….$30.00 ($10.00 pet. & $20.00 O.E.C. fee)
Member of Board of …….Four Board Seats (Adair, Beckerle, Brown, Pierce)
Non-Partisan Primary Election only if there are more than twice the number of candidates as open seats. Columbus City School District candidates are required to file afinancial disclosure statement

c – indicates this is a charter requirement. 

Source: https://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/BOEL-website/media/Election-Info/2023/(1)%20Primary%20Election%20-%20May%202,%202023/(1)%20Notices%20of%20Election/2023-Primary-Schedule-4.pdf

Franklin County needs energetic people to run for office! Libertarian elected officials get to make policy that reduces the scope of government and increases personal liberty.

We encourage first-timers to run for local offices in odd-numbered years. You must file a declaration of candidacy with the Franklin County Board of Elections, with completed petitions containing the number of signatures required for the office you are seeking.

Local offices include city and village council, township trustees, and school board members. With a term or two of local office, you will have the experience and credibility to run a successful campaign for county, state, or federal office, but if you have the qualifications to run for a different office, we won’t turn you down! Before starting your campaign, take a quick look at our “Candidate Quick Start Guide” video (27 minutes).

Check out Election and Candidate Resources.

We can help you. Please complete this form, and our Political Director will be in contact with you.

Contact Information *
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Name: *
Phone:
Email: *
What office do you want to run for? (required) : *
 
 


Regional Development Meeting – Pickaway

Wed, July 27 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Learn about ballot access, running for local office, state and local issues, and developing a county party to support local candidates and issues.

Jackie Ray’s Grill 20 Cromley St 
Ashville, OH 43103 United States

Get directions and learn more: https://www.fclpo.org/event/regional-development-meeting-pickaway/

FCLP Committee Updates

During the 5/17/2022 business meeting for the Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio Central Committee the following actions were taken.

The following individuals were elected to the following roles:

Central Committee

  • Chair – Michael Sweeney
  • Vice-Chair – John Stewart
  • Treasurer – Chris Gill 
  • Secretary – Ken Holpp

Executive Committee

  • Chair – Michael Sweeney
  • Vice-Chair – Drake Lundstrom
  • Treasurer – Pat Hoffman
  • Secretary – Ken Holpp
  • At Large – Jordan Bertke
  • At Large – John Stewart
  • At Large – Chris Gill

After the elections we discussed and voted on the following changes to the FCLPO By-Laws:

Bylaw D – Central Committee, Section 2.

In the event the Secretary of State denies ballot access as a recognized party, Central Committee shall dissolve at the end of their term. After dissolution a new Executive Committee will be chosen by direct election and assume the duties of this committee not already conferred.

FCLP Bylaws. https://www.fclpo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/FranklinCountyBylaws_rev2022.pdf

These changes were adopted by unanimous vote and should be considered applied to the current Central and Executive Committee. 

Thanks to everyone for your patience and generous assistance.

—

Michael Sweeney

Chair, Franklin County Libertarians

2022 FCLP Central Committee Election Closed

The following individuals have been elected to the Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio Central Committee.

  • John S. Stewart – Gahanna Ward 04
  • Patrick J Hoffman – Madison Township
  • Kenneth D. Holpp – Worthington Ward 01
  • Michael Sweeney – Gahanna Ward 03
  • Jordan T Bertke – Hilliard Ward 04
  • David Nadolny – Worthington Ward 02

The meeting of the full committee, election for Central Committee officers and Executive Committee officers, will occur  at the next regular county party business meeting on May 17th, 2022.

FCLPO Central Committee Elections 2022

Please consider this the announcement for the 2022 Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio Central Committee election.

“In the event the Secretary of State denies ballot access as a recognized party, Central Committee elections shall take place at a central location, at a time and place agreed upon by the outgoing Central Committee.
Elections shall be held in even-numbered years in the same month as the official state primary election.”

The LPO Office will be open to the public for voting in the Central Committee Election from 9am to 6pm, May 3rd, 2022.

After 6pm the votes will be tallied and the new Central Committee will be announced.
At the discretion of the new Central Committee a meeting may be held immediately to elect Central Committee officers, a new Executive Committee, and conduct other party business.
If no meeting is held the election for Central Committee officers and Executive Committee will be scheduled for the next regular ExCom meeting on May 17th, 2022.The following current Central Committee members are running for election. (If you would like to be added for election, please reply to this announcement before April 2nd, and include reliable contact information; contact name, phone and email, so we can be in touch.)

  • John S. Stewart – Gahanna Ward 04
  • Drake Lundstrom – Gahanna Ward 04
  • Patrick J Hoffman – Madison Township
  • Kenneth D. Holpp – Worthington Ward 01
  • Michael Sweeney – Gahanna Ward 03
  • Jordan T Bertke – Hilliard Ward 04
  • David Nadolny – Worthington Ward 02

Franklin County Libertarian Party
c/o Ohio Libertarian Party
6230 Busch Blvd, Suite 102
Columbus, Ohio 43229

—
Michael Sweeney
Secretary, Central Committee, Franklin County Libertarians

FCLPO Endorsements for Ohio 2020 Election

The Franklin County Libertarian Party of Ohio voted through their Central Committee to endorse candidates for the 2020 election.

Robert Leist for OH Assembly Representative District 72
https://www.leistforohio.com

Kevin Kahn – Congress Ohio District 1
https://kahn4congress.com/
https://votefreeohio.com/congressional-district-1/

Steven Perkins – Congress District 4
https://www.facebook.com/Perkins4Ohio
https://votefreeohio.com/congressional-district-4/

Oscar Herrera – State Representative District 96
https://electoscarherrera.com/
https://votefreeohio.com/congressional-district-6/

Brandon Lape – Congress District 7
http://www.lapeforohio.com/
https://votefreeohio.com/congressional-district-7/

Dyrone Smith – Council District 8
https://votefreeohio.com/congressional-district-11/

John Stewart – Congress District 12
https://electjohnstewart.com
https://votefreeohio.com/congressional-district-12/

Dr. Michael Fricke – Congress District 13
https://www.facebook.com/mikefricke2020
https://votefreeohio.com/congressional-district-13/

Learn about Drake Lundstrom

Do you have any experience you feel would suit you to this role? 

My name is Drake, and i am a relatively young libertarian at 24.  I have been involved with the liberty movement since 2014, and from 2014-2018, I was a member of a Young Americans for Liberty at the University of Cincinnati.  I spent 1 of those 4 years as treasurer, and 2 as president, and brought a club that was on the verge of collapse with roughly 4 remaining members to over 15 members regularly attending meetings, hosting the largest political debate on campus every semester, and with an email list of hundreds of other students.
Since graduating, I have stayed in the liberty movement mostly by moonlighting as a researcher for the libertarian infotainment channel freedom toons, and I occasionally contribute article or am interviewed on libertarian podcast as a policy expert.  I have done a small amount of volunteer work for the Franklin county libertarian party, tabling at a few different fairs and the gay pride parade, and am hoping to get more involved in the party in a position where I can make the most impact in pushing liberty forwards.
Other relevant leadership experience that I have had would be being the president of the UC kendo club for 2 years, UC marching band section leader for 2 years, and since graduating, I have been the rotary 6690 district outbound chair for youth exchange, and this last year joined the the executive committee of my local rotary club as a social media and youth services chair.
Please let me know if you have any question, and I would be happy to send links to interviews i have done if you want to hear about my positions on libertarainism in some more depth, and i have attached a photo of me, a photo of the YAL club I was part of at a state convention, and a photo of me with a few YAL friends at a Mises institute event, just to prove my libertarian street cred.
Thank you for your time,

Candidates for Central Committee and Executive Committee Roles

What are the Organizing Roles for Party Committees?

There are 4 roles open for the County Central Committee, and 7 roles open for the County Executive Committee. These roles are explained in the FCLPO By-Laws. Each of these roles has an important part to play in conducting party business.

Central Committee role candidates

Chair

Michael Sweeney

Vice Chair

Chad Harris

Secretary

Drake Lundstrom

Treasurer

Zachary Williams

Executive Committee role candidates

Chair

Christopher Gill

Vice Chair

Ken Holpp

Drake Lundstrom

Secretary

Ken Holpp

Treasurer

Pat Hoffman

At-Large

Michael Sweeney

John Stewart

Learn about Michael Sweeney

Do you have any experience you feel would suit you to this role? 

I have worked with the Franklin County Libertarians for the last 3 years, first as Vice Chair and then as Chair on the Executive Committee. I have also served on the Central Committee as Secretary.

Would you share any details about your background, philosophy or interests that might appeal to your fellow County Central Committee members?

My focus over the last three years has been on outreach, and growing our county party to better support local and state wide candidates for public office. Points of pride over the last three years include creation of a Legislative Committee to research, draft, propose and endorse issues based legislative campaigns, building a home grown outreach platform for phone banking and texting and keeping Franklin County Libertarians informed about local, county and statewide concerns.