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Ohio’s Voting Rights Under Siege
Attorney General Eric Holder is sounding the alarm on Ohio’s new voting law, calling it a ‘step backward’ for the state’s citizens.
The law, which was allowed to go into effect by the Supreme Court last month, restricts early voting hours in Ohio and has been the subject of a lawsuit by civil rights groups and the Justice Department.
Despite the challenges, the law took effect on Tuesday, limiting early voting hours and potentially disenfranchising thousands of voters, particularly African Americans who have historically used early voting to cast their ballots.
The Justice Department has challenged a similar law in North Carolina, which cuts back on early voting and eliminates same-day registration. While no ruling on the merits has been issued yet in that case, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week to allow much of the law to go into effect in the meantime.
The Attorney General’s criticism of Ohio’s voting law is not without precedent. In a statement released on the Justice Department’s website, Holder said, ‘Early voting is about much more than making it more convenient for people to exercise their civic responsibilities. It’s about preserving access and openness for every eligible voter, not just those who can afford to miss work or who can afford to pay for childcare.’
The Justice Department has a long history of protecting voting rights, particularly for communities that have been historically marginalized. Holder noted that the Department has taken action to block discriminatory voting laws in Texas, Florida, and South Carolina, and has fought back against discriminatory redistricting proposals that may make it more difficult for many Americans to make their voices heard.
The Attorney General’s statement comes as the Justice Department continues to challenge voting restrictions in other states, including North Carolina. The outcome of these cases will have significant implications for the future of voting rights in America, and the Justice Department is committed to ensuring that every eligible citizen has access to the ballot box.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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