CINCINNATI – September 3, 2024 — This morning, Hamilton County Democrats gathered to condemn the latest voting restriction from Republican Secretary of State Frank LaRose that would limit the use of the 24/7 ballot dropbox for absentee ballot returns. Under LaRose’s new ruling, voters legally returning ballots on behalf of a family member would not be allowed to use the drop box, and would instead have to come inside the Board of Elections office during regular hours.
“This directive will disproportionately harm our seniors, people with disabilities, and our working families. The law says we’re allowed to help our families return ballots. This restriction imposed by Secretary LaRose contradicts that law. This is voter intimidation and it’s just plain wrong.” – Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairwoman Gwen McFarlin
“This is more of the same chaos that we’ve seen time and time again from those who should be acting as our leaders. All of us–Democrats, Republicans and Independents–can see this for what it really is: a last minute change of the rules designed to confuse voters and restrict our right to vote.” – Congressman Greg Landsman
“This last-minute switch is a part of an organized campaign that Republicans, led by former President Donald Trump, are pursuing to undermine the integrity of our elections. It’s painfully transparent that Secretary LaRose issued this directive out of allegiance to Donald Trump, not out of service to Ohioans.” – Mayor Aftab Pureval
“Secretary of State Frank LaRose is targeting millions of Ohioan’s including seniors, veterans, and students by suppressing their right to vote. From purging thousands of voters in Hamilton County alone, to passing the strictest Voter ID Law in the country, to a new restriction on our only countywide 24 hour ballot drop box. There seems to be a continued effort to make it harder for citizens to vote.” – Hamilton County Commission President Alicia Reece
“Our bipartisan officials who work at the Board of Elections are responsible for running safe, efficient, and fair elections. This is a big responsibility. The new restrictions issued by Secretary LaRose creates more work for our already overworked election officials.” – Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus
###