Jill Stein sues Ohio over vote counting decision

In Ohio, Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein has initiated a federal lawsuit following the state's election officials' decision to exclude votes for her from being counted. This legal action was prompted by the late nomination of her running mate, Butch Ware, after the state deadline had passed. Stein had initially listed Anita Rios as a placeholder running mate, but after the Green Party's national convention, the party nominated Ware. The Ohio Secretary of State's Office confirmed that while Stein's name would appear on the ballot, votes cast for her would not be counted due to the timing of the nomination. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. district court in Columbus, argues that this decision violates the constitutional rights of Stein, her running mate, and Ohio voters. The plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to ensure that all votes for Stein and Rios are counted. The case highlights ongoing challenges faced by third-party candidates in the electoral process, particularly regarding ballot access and the implications of administrative deadlines on their campaigns.