Antonio Reacts to LaRose's Voter Suppression Tactics

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) released the following statement in response to Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s recent suggestions to the Ohio General Assembly on election legislation.

“On the heels of a court decision meant to protect some of our most vulnerable voters, Secretary LaRose is attempting to play political games,” said Antonio. “Adding additional steps to make it more difficult for some people to vote is the definition of voter suppression. LaRose’s time would be better spent following the law rather than using his position to undermine the will of the citizens of Ohio and obstruct their ability to vote.” 

After a federal court ruled that Ohio law violates the rights of voters with disabilities, LaRose has proposed banning ballot drop boxes, requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, and forcing voters to cast provisional ballots if their voter registration differs from the information on file with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or the Social Security Administration (BMV/SSA).

“LaRose’s actions suggest that he believes his charge is to be the Secretary of Suppression – voter suppression – that is. His response to the federal court ruling is an embarrassment to Ohioans who believe in free and fair elections,” said Antonio.

Federal law already states that non-citizens are not allowed to vote in our elections, and Ohio passed a law recently that said “only” citizens can participate in elections. Ohio has earned the reputation of having the most restrictive voter photo ID law in the country.