Sykes Criticizes Controlling Board Decision on Prepaid Postage for Mail-In Ballots
September 14, 2020
Vernon Sykes News
COLUMBUS – Today, state Senator Vernon Sykes issued the following statement:
“The state Controlling Board had the opportunity to help voters in Ohio cast their ballots this November in the safest and most secure way possible. Disappointingly, the Republican majority chose not to do so.
“Prepaying for postage would have encouraged Ohioans to request an absentee ballot and increased voter turnout in November – all while keeping people safe and slowing the spread of Covid-19. It would have also helped voters mail out their ballots faster, as they wouldn’t have had to worry about buying stamps or making sure they had enough postage. This would have been particularly important this year, as voters are encouraged to send their ballots as early as possible to ensure they arrive to their board of elections on time.
“We should make it easier for voters to cast their ballot if they decide to vote by mail to avoid in-person voting during this global pandemic. The government should make it easier for people to vote. In Ohio, voting remains harder than it needs to be.”
“The state Controlling Board had the opportunity to help voters in Ohio cast their ballots this November in the safest and most secure way possible. Disappointingly, the Republican majority chose not to do so.
“Prepaying for postage would have encouraged Ohioans to request an absentee ballot and increased voter turnout in November – all while keeping people safe and slowing the spread of Covid-19. It would have also helped voters mail out their ballots faster, as they wouldn’t have had to worry about buying stamps or making sure they had enough postage. This would have been particularly important this year, as voters are encouraged to send their ballots as early as possible to ensure they arrive to their board of elections on time.
“We should make it easier for voters to cast their ballot if they decide to vote by mail to avoid in-person voting during this global pandemic. The government should make it easier for people to vote. In Ohio, voting remains harder than it needs to be.”