Ohio's Republican Sec. of State changes voting rules right before 2024 election

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has asked state lawmakers to create a law eliminating ballot drop boxes, citing concerns about ballot harvesting despite a lack of evidence of widespread voter fraud through drop boxes.

LaRose's proposal, according to News5 Cleveland, comes after a federal court ruled that Ohio must offer more opportunities for people with disabilities to vote, a decision LaRose lost.

LaRose issued a directive requiring anyone delivering an absentee ballot for another person to sign an attestation that they are complying with state law. This effectively limits drop box use to personal ballots. Democratic State Senator Bill DeMora criticized the move, saying it would hurt working people, families, and college students.

DeMora argued that LaRose's actions are an attempt to make it harder for people to vote, especially those who don't typically support Republican candidates. LaRose claims his concern is about ballot harvesting, where someone collects and submits a large number of other people's ballots.

However, election law expert Atiba Ellis explained that LaRose's proposals stem from the recent court ruling that required Ohio to provide more voting opportunities for people with disabilities. The League of Women Voters of Ohio and the ACLU had sued the state, claiming it was violating federal voting rights laws.

Despite LaRose's claims, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud through drop boxes. Republican Governor Mike DeWine expressed skepticism about LaRose's proposals, stating that Ohio already runs elections well. With the state legislature not expected back until after the November election, drop boxes can still be used for now, but with additional steps in place.