Congressional Candidate Upset She Can't Run As 'Veteran' On Ballot

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A California congressional candidate is questioning a state rule preventing candidates from using "veteran" as a ballot designation.

Republican Casey Lucius is running for California Congressional District 20 and says she wanted to describe herself on the ballot as professor, councilmember and veteran. She says she served on active duty for the U.S. Navy for seven years.

Election rules allow candidates to describe themselves on the ballot, but only using professions, vocations and occupations. It bans using a status that doesn't identify specifically how a candidate makes money or spends time, including the title veteran.

Lucius calls the restriction surprising and upsetting. Though she can't change the rule this year, she supports changing it for future elections.

The secretary of state's office did not respond to a request for comment.