Run for County Coroner

In Ohio, a County Coroner is an elected official responsible for investigating deaths to determine the cause, manner, and circumstances, particularly in cases that are sudden, unexpected, or suspicious. The role is governed by Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 313.01–313.22 and serves a critical public health and safety function. Here’s a detailed breakdown of a County Coroner’s duties:

1. Death Investigations
   • Investigate deaths that are unnatural, violent, or suspicious (e.g., homicides, suicides, accidents, or unexplained cases) per ORC 313.12.
   • Example: Examine a scene where a person was found deceased in a car crash.
2. Determining Cause and Manner of Death
   • Conduct or oversee autopsies, toxicology tests, and medical evaluations to establish why and how a person died (ORC 313.13).
   • Example: Identify drug overdose as the cause of death via toxicology.
3. Issuing Death Certificates
   • Certify the cause and manner of death for official records, which are used for legal and public health purposes.
   • Example: Issue a death certificate listing “heart attack” as the cause.
4. Legal and Court Duties
   • Testify in court cases (e.g., criminal trials) about findings from death investigations.
   • Issue subpoenas or order exhumations if needed for investigations (ORC 313.15).
   • Example: Provide expert testimony in a murder trial.
5. Public Health Reporting
   • Report certain deaths (e.g., infectious diseases, drug overdoses) to public health agencies to track trends.
   • Example: Notify the health department of a cluster of fentanyl-related deaths.
6. Managing Coroner’s Office
   • Oversee staff (e.g., deputy coroners, pathologists) and the coroner’s office budget.
   • Maintain facilities like morgues or forensic labs.
   • Example: Hire a forensic pathologist for complex cases.
7. Community Support
   • Work with families to provide closure and explain findings sensitively.
   • Example: Meet with a family to discuss an autopsy report.

County Coroners in Ohio serve 4-year terms and are elected in even-numbered presidential election years (e.g., 2024, 2028). The role is full-time in larger counties and part-time in smaller ones, often requiring medical or forensic expertise.

How to Run for County Coroner in Ohio: Requirements and Steps

Coroner elections occur in even-numbered presidential years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Below is a guide tailored to a November 7, 2028, election, with a 4-year term starting January 1, 2029. Confirm details with your county board of elections, as signature requirements vary by county population.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 1).
• Residency: Live in the county for at least 30 days before the election (ORC 313.01).
• Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the county.
• No Conflicts: No felony convictions; cannot hold conflicting public offices (ORC 313.03).
• Qualifications (ORC 313.02):
  • Must be a licensed physician (MD or DO) in Ohio, in good standing with the State Medical Board.
  • Some counties may require forensic pathology training, though not mandated by state law.

Steps to Run for Office

1. Research Local Rules
   • Confirm the 2028 election cycle for your county’s coroner seat.
   • Check signature requirements and the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide.
   • Contact your county board of elections (e.g., Lucas County for Toledo).
   • Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
   • Timeline: Start in 2027 (e.g., April–June) for 2028.
2. Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
   • File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-A for partisan races, as coroner races are partisan) with your county board.
   • Choose a party (Republican, Democratic, etc.) or run as an independent (Form 3-I).
   • Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account.
   • Resource: SOS Forms: Candidate Petitions
   • Deadline: Partisan candidates file by 4 p.m., 90 days before the primary (e.g., February 6, 2028, for May 7, 2028, primary). Independents file by 4 p.m. the day before the primary (e.g., May 6, 2028).
3. Collect Signatures
   • Gather signatures from registered county voters:
     • Partisan: 50 valid signatures for major parties (ORC 3513.05); larger counties may require 100–200 (e.g., Cuyahoga County).
     • Independent: 1% of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election in the county, or 25–500 based on county size.
   • Use Form 3-A (partisan) or 3-I (independent).
   • Deadline: February 6, 2028 (partisan); May 6, 2028 (independent). Collect extra signatures for safety.
4. Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
   • Fees ~$50–$100 for partisan candidates, waiveable with signatures in some counties.
   • Deadline: Same as petition filing (February 6, 2028, for partisan).
5. Campaign Finance Registration
   • Register with your county board if raising/spending funds.
   • File reports per ORC 3517.10 (e.g., pre-primary, pre-general).
   • Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
   • Deadline: Register before fundraising (e.g., summer 2027); pre-primary report due ~April 8, 2028.
6. Primary Election
   • Partisan candidates compete to win their party’s nomination.
   • Date: May 7, 2028 (first Tuesday after first Monday).
   • Independents skip this step.
7. Campaigning
   • Build a platform (e.g., “accurate death investigations” or “support for families”).
   • Engage voters via medical associations, community forums, or ads—focus on expertise and compassion.
   • Follow local sign rules.
   • Timeline: Start post-primary (June 2028), peak in fall (September–October 2028).
8. General Election
   • Appear on the ballot countywide (partisan or independent).
   • Date: November 7, 2028.
   • Resource: Ohio Election Calendar
9. Post-Election
   • If elected, take office (typically January 1, 2029).
   • File final finance reports.
   • Deadline: 30–60 days post-election (e.g., December 2028–January 2029).

Hypothetical 2028 Timeline (November 7 Election)

• April–June 2027: Research eligibility, verify medical license.
• July–December 2027: Plan platform, collect signatures.
• January 2028: Finalize signatures.
• February 6, 2028: File partisan petitions by 4 p.m.
• April 8, 2028: File pre-primary finance report.
• May 6, 2028: Independent petitions due.
• May 7, 2028: Primary election.
• June–October 2028: Campaign; file pre-general report (~October 5).
• November 7, 2028: Election Day.
• January 1, 2029: Take office.

Ohio-Specific Resources for County Coroner Candidates

• Ohio Secretary of State: Election forms and rules.
  • www.ohiosos.gov/elections/
• County Boards of Elections: Filing and signature details.
  • SOS County Directory
• Ohio State Coroners Association: Role insights and training.
  • www.ohiocoroners.org/
• Ohio State Medical Board: Physician licensing verification.
  • www.med.ohio.gov/

Coroner races are partisan, requiring medical expertise and public trust.