Husted Sets Uniform Hours for All Future Ohio Elections

In light of the recent federal court ruling in Obama for America v. Husted, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted today set uniform hours for “all future elections” in Ohio. This includes all future Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays before Election Day, starting with the August 5th Special Election.

Regarding today’s court-ordered directive (attached), all of the following may be attributed to Secretary Husted:

“The federal court has affirmed what I have long advocated: That all voters in Ohio should have the same opportunity to vote.

“The uniform hours I am setting today will cover all future elections as the court required, taking into account the differences between municipal, special, primary, general and presidential elections.

“From my perspective, this matter is now settled. I urge those who have strenuously opposed uniformity in voting hours to respect the decision of the court as I have and join me in educating all Ohioans about their many opportunities to vote.

“When it comes to voting early, the national average is 19 days. This November, Ohioans will be able to vote in person, including on weekends, starting 28 days before the election. Additionally, I will be sending all registered voters an application to vote by mail so they have four weeks to vote without ever having to leave home.

“I know of no other state that goes to this great of lengths to encourage voters to cast ballots before Election Day.

“In the end, I am pleased that voters and all involved in elections will now have certainty and know the rules well in advance of the election. It is my sincere hope that in the future Republicans and Democrats can work together to put voters first and avoid these kinds of controversies.”