April 3, 2020 •
Lawsuit Challenges New Ohio Presidential, State Primary Election Date and Procedures
A lawsuit has been filed challenging the new Ohio presidential and state primary election date and procedures. The lawsuit challenges House Bill 197, which included a provision to extend absentee balloting until April 28 for the presidential and state primary […]
A lawsuit has been filed challenging the new Ohio presidential and state primary election date and procedures.
The lawsuit challenges House Bill 197, which included a provision to extend absentee balloting until April 28 for the presidential and state primary elections.
In response to COVID-19, the state’s Health Department postponed in-person voting originally scheduled for March 17.
The lawsuit seeks to delay the election date further.
Additionally, registered voters who have not cast a ballot in the election will have an absentee ballot mailed to them.
The lawsuit would also allow voters who do not receive a ballot in time to vote at the board of elections.
Finally, it would set the voter registration date 30 days prior to the primary date, as required by federal law.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine
Gov. Mike DeWine signed the coronavirus response bill on March 27 eliminating in-person voting for almost everyone who has not previously voted in the presidential and state primary elections. All voting will now be replaced with extended mail-in voting. House […]
Gov. Mike DeWine signed the coronavirus response bill on March 27 eliminating in-person voting for almost everyone who has not previously voted in the presidential and state primary elections.
All voting will now be replaced with extended mail-in voting.
House Bill 197 voids Directive 2020-06, issued by Secretary of State Frank LaRose, moving the Ohio presidential and state primary election to June 2.
The bill requires the Office of Secretary of State to send a postcard to every registered voter, notifying them of the procedures to obtain an application for an absentee ballot and the procedures and deadline to return it.
Registered voters who have not already cast a ballot in the March 17 primary election, or in any special election held on the day of the primary election, may vote using an absentee ballot.
In person voting is only available for certain disabled voters and voters who are unable to receive mail.
All applications must be received by April 28 or postmarked on or before April 27 and received by mail not later than May 8.
For the purpose of the campaign contribution limits, the date of the 2020 primary election is March 17.
However, the statements of contributions and expenditures required to be filed after the primary election must be filed not later than 4:00 p.m. on June 5.
The bill is effective immediately.
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