Confusion over new rules still frustrating good government groups
By Sibley Arnebeck
Posted on Fri Aug 04, 2006 at 02:39:51 PM EST
As a part of our ongoing election protection activities Common Cause/Ohio joined the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing (COHHIO), League of Women Voters of Ohio, Ohio VOTES and People for American Way in a news conference highlighting the confusion that still exists around the new voter ID requirements that became law when HB 3 was passed.
Bill Faith of COHHIO referenced a study from Cleveland State University that showed how many registered voters might have to vote a provisional ballot because their license ID might have an old address on it. Legally, it should still be proper ID to vote, but because it doesn't match the poll book address, there is bound to be confusion. To illustrate how many voters could be affected by this, he asked those at the news conference whose valid license has an old address on it. Eight out of the thirty in the room raised their hands.
Mr. Faith also pointed out the four pages of paper work that must be filled out for each provisional ballot, demonstrating that the confusion over ID requirements will cause more voters to have to vote a provisional ballot, which may or may not be counted, and will contribute to slower lines at the polls.
COHHIO canvassed county boards of elections on the issue of voter ID requirements revealing a great deal of ignorance or confusion about the issue. Because several counties have special elections on August 8, the groups are asking for immediate clarification from the secretary of state's office.
This appears to be another black mark on Secretary of State Blackwell's office in their administration of Ohio elections. The lack of clear rules or advisories to educate local boards of elections, poll workers and the voters about the new ID requirements is a formula for another election meltdown in Ohio if nothing more is done to remedy the problem.
Tags: ID, Kenneth Blackwell, provisional ballots, ohio, in the states, voting rights (all tags)
You are not logged in.
In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.
If not, you can make an account just by filling out the form below. It's quick and free.
