Episode Details

A North Carolina candidate running for water and soil supervisor, known as High Priestex Mortellus, is challenging a state election rule requiring all candidates to list a legal surname on the ballot. Mortellus, who identifies as nonbinary and uses their religious mononym in their faith community, argues that forcing them to appear as “Mortellus Amorello” would confuse voters who recognize them by their chosen name — a name they’ve held for years and are ordained under. With absentee ballots set to begin mailing next month, the State Board of Elections must decide quickly whether religious names should be exempt from surname requirements, sparking a broader debate about identity, faith, and legal compliance in public office.

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