A new Ohio law restricting who can assist voters with disabilities has been put on hold by a federal court.
The order from the Northern District of Ohio’s Eastern Division blocks the state from implementing its new election reform law, saying parts of the law violate the federal Voting Rights Act.
Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio, the organization that filed the lawsuit against Ohio’s law, said that without the lawsuit, many people who typically assist voters with disabilities could have faced stiff penalties.
“No grandchild, roommate or other reasonable helper should ever face the possibility of a felony charge simply for helping a loved one with a disability vote absentee,” Miller said.
She said without the injunction, the law could have prevented family members or close friends of voters with disabilities from helping them cast absentee ballots.
“Grandchildren, in-laws, neighbors, roommates, caregivers and other reasonable helpers could be charged with a felony if they assist a voter with a disability. Our argument is that this violates the National Voting Rights Act, which allows voters with disabilities to choose their own helpers,” Miller said.
She said voters with disabilities often face challenges when casting their ballot.
“We know that many voters are having trouble getting to their mailbox, sealing the envelope or getting it to their county drop box,” Miller said.
Miller said it was unclear how many voters were affected before the bill was put on hold, but added that it was important that voters with disabilities were protected.
“Any one of us could become a voter with a disability between now and Election Day. Any one of us could become a voter with a disability because of an accident or illness,” Miller said.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office released a statement arguing that the court had blocked the new law.
“We clearly disagree with this decision and will consult with our advisor, the Attorney General, about our next steps. This is a challenge to a law passed by the Ohio Legislature, which has exclusive authority to set election rules in Ohio, and the Legislature will likely consider the Court’s decision here as well,” the statement said.
The state could appeal the ruling, but has not yet said whether it will do so.