OH HR134

The House of Representatives reviewed Ohio Supreme Court Case No. 2012-2151 regarding the November 2012 election for the 98th House District (Tuscarawas County and parts of Holmes County) between Joshua E. O'Farrell (contestor) and Al Landis (contestee).

The House declares the 2012 election in the 98th District was conducted unlawfully and unconstitutionally due to multiple violations including poll worker errors causing voters to cast ballots in wrong precincts, inconsistent treatment of ballots with minor errors, and potential violations of voter registration and purge procedures.

The resolution orders the counting of 59+ previously uncounted ballots from named voters who were improperly denied ballot counting due to various technical errors or administrative mistakes by election officials.

The resolution declares Al Landis's seating as Representative-elect from the 98th District invalid and requires the uncounted valid votes to be counted with the prevailing candidate receiving the certificate of election.

The House asserts its constitutional duty and responsibility to judge the election, returns, and qualifications of its own members without deferring to courts or election officials.