MOUNT VERNON — Fredericktown resident Margaret Ann Ruhl filed an election complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission against Knox County commissioner candidate Drenda Keesee.
The OEC received the complaint on March 11. It set a review date of May 16 at 10 a.m.
The election complaint also names Gary Keesee as campaign treasurer, Karen Bender as deputy treasurer, and Knox County Media LLC, dba the Mount Vernon News.
The two-count complaint alleges that Keesee knowingly printed and distributed political literature that does not identify who paid for nor who distributed the printed material.
The Ohio Revised Code 3517.20 states all political communications must include a disclaimer in a conspicuous place on the communication. It also must include the phrase “paid for by,” followed by the name of the candidate’s campaign committee.
The election complaint states that Knox County Media LLC dba the Mount Vernon News allegedly violated the ORC because it knowingly accepted payment for, distributed, and/or printed and distributed a flyer in the March 2 edition of the News.
The complaint’s second count alleges that Keesee’s campaign used four fictitious names as a committee name.
The committee name on record with the Secretary of State’s office is Drenda Keesee for Knox.
The complaint states that the alleged violations “are meant to confuse the voting public and misdirect them in obtaining information regarding who is behind their advertising.”
“Every candidate must abide by the same rules,” Ruhl, a former state representative, said. “A packet is given to the candidate when they pull their petitions from the Board of Elections. It outlines the rules, and every candidate is required to follow them.
“The laws were set up for transparency and accountability in government, and it’s important they be followed.”
“It is not unusual during a primary that a complaint will be filed against a contender,” Drenda Keesee said via email. “I understand that Margaret Ruhl filed a complaint against my campaign regarding a disclaimer discrepancy, and my campaign is resolving the issue.
“I appreciate the overwhelming support of the voters, and I look forward to serving the people of Knox County.”
The OEC will hold the hearing in Room 1865 of the Rhodes Tower at 30 E. Broad St., Columbus.
