COLUMBUS — Today the ACLU of Ohio sent a letter to Secretary LaRose outlining specific voting rights, federal and state laws which prohibit the intimidation or other acts that prevent voters from exercising their rights during the early voting period or on Election Day. The ACLU of Ohio references a statement that President Trump made to his supporters during the first presidential debate - “go into the polls and watch very carefully…” - as dangerous rhetoric encouraging voter intimidation.
“No voter should have to choose between their safety and making their voice heard at the ballot box. We know that voter intimidation disproportionately threatens the rights and safety of Black and Brown communities who have been historically and grossly suppressed. We urge Secretary LaRose to quickly and clearly communicate to the public that Ohio will never tolerate voter intimidation,” noted Jocelyn Rosnick, Policy Director for the ACLU of Ohio.
“Voter intimidation is a crime. We will be monitoring for any attempted disruption of the electoral process, and continuing the critical work to protect Ohioans’ right to vote in a free and fair election,” added Freda Levenson, Legal Director for the ACLU of Ohio.
