Senate Democrats Reacts to Court of Appeals Decision

Columbus—Today, Senate Minority Leader Eric H. Kearney and Senate Democrats released the following statements in response to the bipartisan decision by the Ohio 6th Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the ruling by Federal District Court Judge Peter C. Economus which ordered in-person early voting to be restored for the three days proceeding the November 6th election: Sen. Eric H. Kearney Senate Democratic Leader (D-Cincinnati) “Today’s ruling speaks to the issue of fairness and equity.  Voters should be given as many opportunities to exercise their right to vote as possible. The Republican controlled legislature gave the boards the authority to grant last weekend voting and I encourage boards to use today’s Court of Appeals decision to do so.” Sen. Nina Turner Minority Whip (D-Cleveland) “Today is a truly great day for people all over the state of Ohio. The ruling by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals upholding Judge Economus’ decision supports the right of suffrage for all voters, and affords them critical opportunities to cast their ballots this fall. Justice is served! “With the last three days of early voting again an option, it is now the duty of local boards of elections to side with voters and promote access to the ballot box.” Sen. Edna Brown Assistant Minority Whip (D-Toledo) “Today’s decision is a victory for Ohioans. The court system has forcefully checked the transparent and shameless efforts by Republicans to suppress voter turnout in our state. There is no excuse for deliberating limiting a citizen’s ability to vote no matter how much easier it is to cast a ballot than in the past. This ruling marks a setback for those attempting to circumvent access to one of the most precious rights we have as Americans; THE RIGHT TO VOTE.” Sen. Tom Sawyer (D-Akron) “In upholding the district court’s decision, the 6th circuit affirmed the importance of protecting the right to vote.  County boards of elections and all elected officials should establish fair and accessible voting opportunities for all Ohioans.” Sen. Shirley Smith (D-Cleveland) “I applaud the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals for upholding the earlier decision that all registered Ohio voters should have access to early voting during the three days before the November 6th election.  The Secretary of State and the Attorney General should stop the political shenanigans, and they should stop wasting taxpayer dollars on meritless appeals.  It was shameful of the governing party to try to reduce early voting in the first place, and challenging the federal court’s first decision was mockery of the election process.  Perhaps now they can focus on the election, instead of trying to disenfranchise part of the voting population.  I trust that the Secretary will now do whatever is necessary to promptly comply with the court order.  Amidst this divisive campaign, Ohioans deserve better.” Sen. Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) “I am pleased to hear the court’s decision in protecting the right to vote for Ohioans and that fair and equal voting rights are given to all.” -30-