SHORT THREAD ON TODAY'S COURT FILING
The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind in Ohio. We hope and trust all are staying safe amid the crisis
I wanted to explain more details on the suit we filed today, which was a critical step in preserving the primary and voting rights...
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The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind in Ohio. We hope and trust all are staying safe amid the crisis
I wanted to explain more details on the suit we filed today, which was a critical step in preserving the primary and voting rights...
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While Ohioans could not cast their ballots in person today because of the health director's order, the election must move forward -- so Ohio Democrats today filed an action with the Ohio Supreme Court to preserve Ohio's Primary election, and allow it to be extended forward.
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W/out action, the risk was that the only votes that will count will be the ones already cast, since Election Day would have ended w/out action from the Gen'l Assembly (and only a legislative act or court order can set the date of a primary election). Some are making this argument
The idea that the primary would be declared over when voters were blocked from voting by a health order would be the height of injustice...so today we filed a suit with the Ohio Supreme Court to ensure that all eligible Ohio voters are able to vote in this primary safely...
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We proposed a reasonable extension of mail voting (postage paid-for) and direct ballot drop-off opportunities at county election boards to get this done.
Unfortunately, the proposed June 2 in-person primary arguably lacked legal authority but also brought with it major problems
Unfortunately, the proposed June 2 in-person primary arguably lacked legal authority but also brought with it major problems
The lateness of it is highly problematic for a host of reasons, including missing deadlines to send delegates to nominating conventions. And it is iffy to think this virus crisis will be resolved by then to even have in-person voting
So we'd be delaying for an uncertain
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So we'd be delaying for an uncertain
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Rather than pushing that far down the road for an uncertainty, better to set a shorter window (allowing for broad vote by mail and 24-hour ballot drop-off opportunities until late April). That is what we proposed today
It is safer, more certain and more logistically viable
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It is safer, more certain and more logistically viable
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We were happy to hear Governor DeWine say today that he was open to a conversation about this proposal, and that there was no "magic" to his June 2 proposal.
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Either way, most importantly, rest assured to any voter who hoped to vote today but couldn't, we will fight like hell to ensure that you have an opportunity to make your voice heard in this critical election.
We also want to ensure that you can vote in a way that is safe.
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We also want to ensure that you can vote in a way that is safe.
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Today's court action was a crucial step in accomplishing both goals.
Continue to stay safe and healthy, and we will provide more information shortly.
As always, our Voter Protection Team is standing by to help -- call 1-833-DEM-VOTE (1-833-336-8683) if you have questions.
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Continue to stay safe and healthy, and we will provide more information shortly.
As always, our Voter Protection Team is standing by to help -- call 1-833-DEM-VOTE (1-833-336-8683) if you have questions.
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