Proposed Nov. Election Plan Focuses On Voter Safety, Registration

CLEVELAND, OH – Ohio House Democrats have released their proposal for holding a presidential election in November that is safe and accessible in the midst of the new coronavirus outbreak.

The proposed plan includes mailing a ballot to every voter with paid return postage, counting ballots postmarked by Election Day, protecting safe and accessible in-person voting opportunities, and providing greater access to voter registration. Lawmakers also recommend skipping the application process for mail-in ballots in order to avoid delays.

"Our members have worked intensely over the last several months pushing for improvements in the primary election and now proposing needed fixes to ensure a fall election that goes much more smoothly than the primary," said Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes. "This plan is responsive to the needs of Ohioans and the stakeholders that have worked so hard to improve our elections."

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Since voter registration opportunities have been reduced by closures and event cancellations, officials recommend matching the online voter registration form with what is required on a paper voter registration form by requiring either SSN4 or driver's license/state ID number, not both, on the online form.

Under this proposed bill, the state would be required to do a voter education campaign on social media, TV, radio and newspaper platforms to reach Ohio voters where they access information.

The proposed bill also recommends offering more than one early voting location in certain counties that currently only have one site. Safety protocols for in-person voting – such as physical distancing, proper sanitizing and use of masks – would be required as well.

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