To Prevent a Primary Repeat, ACLU of Ohio Sends Letter to Ohio Leaders Recommending Voting Reforms Ahead of General Election

CLEVELAND - Today the ACLU of Ohio sent a letter to Governor DeWine, Secretary LaRose, Speaker Householder, Minority Leader Sykes, Senate President Obhof, and Minority Leader Yuko outlining specific policy reforms needed to ensure that all eligible voters can make their voice heard in the November general election. After the lowest-ever spring turnout for a presidential election, with less than 23% of Ohio’s 7.77 million registered voters casting a ballot in this Primary, the ACLU of Ohio issues caution that without decisive, quick action a similar outcome could occur in November.

The ACLU of Ohio recommends:

1. In-person voting remain in place
2. Access to vote-by-mail be expanded
   1. Specifically by making the following amendments to Senate Bill 191:
      1. Providing prepaid postage and a self-sealing return envelope for all absentee ballot requests and ballots,
      2. Accepting all absentee ballots that are postmarked on Election Day

• Refraining from discarding absentee ballots based on errors or technicalities,

1. Permitting more than one early vote center and secure drop box per county.

“These common sense solutions have broad support and will protect both voters’ safety and the health of our democracy. We share Secretary LaRose’s sense of urgency that legislative action should be taken promptly so that there is sufficient time for implementation. We look forward to working with Ohio leaders to ensure access to the November Election for all eligible voters,” noted

Jocelyn Rosnick, Policy Director for the ACLU of Ohio.

A copy of the letter is available.