The Federal Election Commission (FEC) seemingly doesn't want you wasting your precious vote on fictional candidates like "Deez Nuts," "Butt Stuff," "Master Alexander Soy Sauce and Taters Gordh First," and "Limberbutt McCubbins," Politicoreports. This week the FEC announced a new verification policy after a slew of registrations and statements came in from "fictitious" candidates and applicants.
If you recall, Deez Nuts came to light back in October 2015 when Brady C. Olson decided to run for office for Speaker of the House of Representatives. Although he wasn't a member of the House of Representatives, he still found himself to be eligible for the position. His attempt to run for President drew in more false candidates under various monikers and raised suspicions all around. More recently, Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein tied in Texas with party candidates Deez Nuts and dead gorilla Harambe. What a time.
On Thursday, the agency announced, "The Commission has authorized staff to send verification letters to filers listing fictional characters, obscene language, sexual references, celebrities (where there is no indication that the named celebrity submitted the filing), animals, or similarly implausible entries as the name or contact information of the candidate or committee."
Verification will now be required of questionable applicants. The FEC will send letters asking applicants to verify their identities and will notify them of any fines that are applicable.
RIP Deez Nuts.
