Today, the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund joined dozens of individuals and organizations speaking out in opposition to House Bill 680 (HB 680). Despite this overwhelming opposition, the bill was voted out of committee and will likely be up for vote on the House floor tomorrow.
The following statement can be attributed to Trent Dougherty, General Counsel of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“The impact of the COVID-19 crisis has shown the blind-spots and barriers in Ohio’s election system. The haphazard 2020 Ohio Primary Election was chaotic for most, confusing for many, and unfortunately so difficult to maneuver for some, they were disenfranchised from voting.
“Yet, instead of learning from those missteps and fixing those deficiencies, Ohio lawmakers have chosen to fast-track HB 680 which proposes to enshrine the very process deficiencies that kept too many eligible Ohioans from casting a ballot. Despite the amendments to HB 680 accepted during today’s hearing, the bill is far from protecting Ohioans’ right to vote safely and securely during a global pandemic that manifests itself in local crises.
“Ohioans overwhelmingly want clean air, healthy public lands, safe drinking water and bold action on climate change. Guaranteeing all eligible Ohioans have the opportunity to safely and securely register to vote, cast their ballot and make their voices heard through our elections ensures our public policies reflect the will of the people. When more people vote, our environment and our communities win.”
You can read OEC Action Fund’s Opponent Testimony here. To the extent that HB 680 passes, the OEC Action Fund will be doing extensive public education on the content and the votes on this legislation due to its adverse impact to Ohio’s democracy, and ultimately Ohio's environment and the health of Ohioans.