(The Center Square) – Any Ohio voter could protest a candidate for public office if new legislation clears the state Legislature.

Currently, only a registered member of the candidate’s party can file a protest, but Reps. Angie King, R-Celina, and Rodney Creech, R-West Alexandria, believe a change will make elections more open.

“Transparency is key to the success of our elections,” said King. “Open elections are a fundamental right of Americans, and they have the right to know who they are voting for.”

The proposed legislation comes after efforts to disqualify a Democratic candidate running for a seat in the Ohio House. The challenges came from Republican Party officials, saying both candidates did not list their “dead name” on election paperwork.

The Mercer County Board of Elections did take up the challenge against Arienne Childrey, previously a man now claiming to be woman. Childrey is trying to unseat King.

Current Ohio law says candidates must disclose a name change in the past five years except for marriage. According to The Associated Press, the law is not listed in the candidate requirement guide, and there is no space on the petition to list any former names.

The new legislation, which has yet to receive a bill number for a committee assignment, would allow any eligible voter to protest a candidacy for a political party nomination if the individual does not include their former name or required documentation to run for office.

It would also allow a protest if:

• The individual is not a U.S. citizen.

• The individual does not meet the minimum age requirements to hold office.

• The individual would exceed an applicable term or age limit.

• The individual has a criminal conviction;

“Our bill simply recodifies and clarifies a requirement that has been a part of Ohio law for more than 50 years,” Creech said. “I am committed to ensuring Ohio elections are the most secure, fair, transparent, and accurate in the nation.”