Senator Kearney Issues Statement on Proposed Repeal of HB 194

Columbus – Senate Democratic Leader Eric H. Kearney (D-Cincinnati) issued the following statement today in response to an announcement by Senate Republicans that they have introduced legislation to repeal HB 194, the controversial voter suppression bill:

“More than 300,000 people signed petitions calling for a referendum on House bill 194 to give Ohioans the chance to speak through the ballot box. We think the referendum process is a fundamental right in Ohio’s constitution and should not be circumvented.

“Senate Democrats are diametrically opposed to any form of voter suppression and we will fight to ensure all Ohioans have the right to vote. Clearly, HB 194 was an example of voter suppression.

“Let’s not forget Republicans in the General Assembly passed this voter suppression bill despite strong objections from Democrats and voting rights advocates. Now that HB 194 is subject to referendum, and likely to be overturned by voters in November, they suddenly have had a change of heart.

“If Senate Republicans are sincere about reaching bipartisan consensus, they should postpone any further discussion of changing Ohio’s voting laws until the next General Assembly. We must respect the referendum process and the right of Ohioans to have the final say on controversial legislation.”