Thread by @OHDems

An #OhioPrimary THREAD

There is a lot of misinformation out there about the status of our primary election, and unfortunately, some of it is coming from official channels.

As Ohio Democrats, we want to protect Ohioans’ safety -- and the right to vote. Both can be done.

1/n

FACT: When @DrAmyActon made clear that there was great health risk to voters and poll workers through in-person voting, we supported Gov. @MikeDeWine's recommendation to close polling places on Tuesday, postponing the #OhioPrimary.

https://twitter.com/OHDems/status/1239653132721885185

2/n

FACT: There has been no resolution about how the #OhioPrimary will be concluded -- on what day, in what way ... or even if those who did not have a chance to vote on March 17 will get to cast a ballot at all.

That's why we’ve gone to court.

radio.wosu.org/post/ohio-demo…

3/n

FACT: The main goal of our suit is to ensure the #OhioPrimary continues. Some are suggesting that because March 17 is Election Day under state law, those who couldn't vote on Tuesday should not get to vote; i.e., the primary is over.

That's unfair.

radio.wosu.org/post/ohio-demo…

4/n

FACT: Contrary to some reporting, our lawsuit has nothing to do with opposing @MikeDeWine's decision to close polling places and postpone the #OhioPrimary.

We have been communicating with DeWine's office throughout -- and they understand why we're taking this legal action.

5/n

FACT: Unlike Kansas -- go @KansasDems! -- Ohio does not have a party-run primary.

Our primary elections are administered by Ohio Secretary of State @FrankLaRose.

However, our primary election dates are set by state law. LaRose cannot simply move the #OhioPrimary date.

6/n

FACT: A proposal to conduct statewide in-person voting on June 2 creates enormous risk and uncertainty.

Will it be safe by then? No one can be sure.

That's one of the reasons we're asking to conduct the #OhioPrimary mainly by vote-by-mail.

More:

ohiodems.org/ohio-democrati…

7/n

FACT: Our #OhioPrimary plan would give voters several weeks to request and cast their ballots by mail -- with accommodations and other options, including secured curbside dropoff locations -- and wrap up the election by April 23.

8/n

FACT: We are committed to working in a bipartisan way to get this done. We've been talking with Gov. @MikeDeWine's office, and yesterday he said, "We are open to discussion" about conducting the #OhioPrimary primarily by vote-by-mail.

cleveland.com/coronavirus/20…

9/n

FACT: Conducting a mainly vote-by-mail #OhioPrimary does not require "transforming Ohio's election system."

Ohio already offers no-excuse absentee voting, and the state has mass-mailed absentee ballot applications. Other states, like Oregon, use a VBM system exclusively.

10/n

FACT: We are NEUTRAL in the presidential primary.

We are advocating for an expansion of vote-by-mail for the #OhioPrimary because it's the right thing to do, not because it helps or hurts any candidate.

No presidential campaign is involved with our legal action.

11/n

FACT: We want as many voters as possible to cast their ballots in the #OhioPrimary. That's why we have a Voter Protection Team -- led by @BennettGretchen -- ready to answer your questions.

Call our Voter Protection Hotline at 1-833-DEM-VOTE (833-336-8683) for assistance.

END