Ohio Democrats Sue Over Drop Box Restrictions for Disabled Voters
- The Ohio Democratic Party and two voters filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Frank LaRose over a directive limiting drop box use for voters with disabilities.
- The lawsuit argues that the directive violates protections under state law, the state constitution, and the federal Voting Rights Act.
- The case highlights the ongoing struggle to ensure accessible voting for individuals with disabilities in Ohio.
On a Friday in Columbus, Ohio, the Ohio Democratic Party, along with two voters, filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Frank LaRose over a directive that restricts the use of drop boxes for voters with disabilities. This legal action was taken to challenge LaRose's order, which they argue violates both state and federal laws designed to protect the voting rights of individuals with disabilities. The directive was issued following a federal court ruling that invalidated parts of Ohio's 2023 election law, which had previously limited assistance to a narrow group of family members. LaRose's new rules allow additional individuals to assist voters but require them to sign an attestation at the board of elections, which the lawsuit claims creates unnecessary obstacles for absentee voters. The Democratic Party contends that these new requirements could lead to longer wait times and hinder the voting process for those needing assistance, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all Ohioans can participate in elections without undue burdens.