MacDonald v. Bernard

The issue presented by this appeal is whether the Court of Appeals, pursuant to its authority to hear judicial election contest cases as granted by R.C. 3515.08, has subject matter jurisdiction to entertain a complaint which alleges violations of R.C. 3599.01 (bribery) and 3599.091 (political campaign guidelines).

This court is very much aware of the limitations on its power to intervene in the election of public officials. The right to vote has its source in and is guaranteed by the Constitutions of Ohio and of the United States. Since public elections belong to the political branch of the…