COLUMBUS, OH — Last week, the Ohio House approved the amended House Bill 458 with a concurrence vote, and the legislation now heads to Governor DeWine’s desk. This legislation was originally focused on August special elections, but was amended into a sweeping anti-voter bill that massively changes how elections are administered and how Ohioans can access their most fundamental American right.
Today, 19 Ohio advocacy organizations joined together to call on Governor DeWine to protect the voting rights of hundreds of thousands of Ohioans by vetoing HB 458. Their letter is available online.
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Chris Tavenor, Managing Director of Democracy Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund:
“Governor DeWine, please veto HB 458 and protect the voting rights of all Ohioans. HB 458 implements some of the strictest voter ID laws in the nation without evidence that these new rules will actually improve our elections. Secretary of State Frank LaRose already says our elections are some of the most secure in the nation—there’s no need to change what isn’t broken, especially when the supposed fix will disenfranchise thousands of Ohioans.”
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio:
"Experts tell us that as many as 11% of Ohio adults do not have a driver’s license or state ID card. Younger Ohioans are driving less, and many older and low-income Ohioans do not drive. That's over 800,000 eligible adults who would have significant trouble voting under HB 458. If Governor DeWine values the freedom to vote and civil rights of Ohioans, then he will veto HB 458."
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Molly Shack, Co-Executive Director, Ohio Organizing Collaborative:
“This bill is an attack on Ohioans’ freedom to vote. Elected officials should be fighting to earn Ohioans' votes, not exclude them. Governor DeWine should honor his oath to serve the citizens of Ohio and veto this harmful bill designed to disenfranchise students, people of color and the elderly.”
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Emily Cole, Executive Director, Ohio Families Unite for Political Action and Change:
“Republicans in the Ohio General Assembly have stripped away access to the ballot box for thousands of Ohioans, particularly those in minority, low income, and rural communities. We urge Governor DeWine to recall his office represents all Ohioans, not just those ruling from the bully pulpit in the Statehouse. Respect the dignity of those who are continuously trampled upon in Republican quests for power and restore access to the ballot box for Ohio. Veto HB 458.”
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Pastor Hank Osmundson, Executive Director, Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio:
“The creation of additional barriers to the ability of Ohioans to exercise their right to vote is un-American, unjust and immoral. It is particularly offensive that those who crafted and supported this legislation purport to be combating election fraud while simultaneously announcing that such fraud is exceedingly rare. Lawmakers in Ohio have shown that they are more interested in maintaining power than they are in representing or helping all of the citizens of our state. Governor DeWine should exercise his ability to veto this legislation because it is his duty to do so when legislation would harm more people than it helps. We deserve a multi-faith and multi-ethnic Democracy that reflects who we are as citizens of Ohio and the United States of America.”
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Rachael Collyer, Program Director, Ohio Student Association:
“The Ohio Student Association has been doing voter registration and education on college campuses across Ohio for over a decade now, and we know from experience how many barriers are already in place that prevent students and young people from being able to vote. We should be trying to remove barriers to voting, not creating even more through voter suppression bills like HB 458.”
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Amina Barhumi, Executive Director, CAIR-Ohio:
“HB 458 targets immigrants and noncitizens by requiring citizen status to be listed on IDs. This compounds the possibility of potential discrimination in everyday interactions for immigrant Ohioans, including with law enforcement, while at the doctor's office or while making purchases at the grocery store."
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Julie Mulroy, Co-Lead of Indivisible Central Ohio East:
“Licking County is one of the three largest Ohio counties in terms of geographic area and has virtually no public transportation to the one early vote center and dropbox in the county. Limiting dropbox hours to early voting hours further limits access to early or absentee voting even for those who have access to private transportation but have work or family obligations that conflict with these hours. Relying on U.S. mail requires making voting decisions uncomfortably early for those of us likely to research candidates and issues thoroughly. And finally, for citizens who have difficulty standing in lines or other “invisible” disabilities, restrictions on access to curbside voting further disenfranchises Licking County voters. This bill has all the hallmarks of poor process and deserves to be vetoed on that basis alone!”
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Pierrette M. Talley, Convener of the Ohio Coalition on Black Civic Participation:
“As the candidate who won in the recent election receiving the support of the majority of voters who went to the polls to re-elect you as the state's chief executive, it would be a real slap in the face to tens of thousands who voted for you, if you don't veto this unnecessary overreach by your party.”
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Susan Reis, Ohio State Policy Advocate for the National Council of Jewish Women:
“We are outraged that, although our Secretary of State assures us that we have the most secure elections, voter suppression methods are being enacted. Governor DeWine, we urge you to veto this anti-democratic legislation.”
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Voting-Matters:
“I am especially concerned with the impact of 458 on residents in nursing homes, other congregate living settings and students and their ability to vote.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund is committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and the health of all Ohio communities. We will continue to fight for Ohio’s access to clean water, healthy air, vibrant public lands and a strong democracy.
Contact:
Marisa Twigg, Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, mtwigg@theoec.org