SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Brigham Young University professor who challenged Rep. Jason Chaffetz in a primary election last year has sued the state because it wouldn’t allow him to file from abroad to run in a special election to replace the Republican congressman.
Chia-Chi (CHA-Chee) Teng is teaching in China this summer and was denied when he tried to file candidate papers before last Friday’s deadline.
Teng sued the state Tuesday, arguing that rules requiring individuals to file to run in person are an unfair burden. He’s asking a judge to reject that rule and allow him to run for Chaffetz’s seat.
Utah Elections Director Mark Thomas says the law requires candidates to file in person because they must take an oath. It makes exceptions for candidates that are away for military service or a current state or federal government job.
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