Ohio GOP House members plan to repeal election-law changes

COLUMBUS — Republicans in the Ohio House plan to move ahead on a pre-emptive repeal of controversial election-law changes that are the subject of a November referendum.

“We’re going to pass it,” House Speaker Bill Batchelder told reporters today, indicating a floor vote could come as soon as Wednesday and that he expected a subsequent legal challenge.

Asked whether the House would act on any other election law changes before November, Batchelder responded, “Pray God not. ... I’ve had about all those I care to. If we had a court case that undermines something, we would obviously have to respond to that, but at this point there does not appear to be to be anything like that out there.”

The Speaker’s comments came just before a House committee had its first hearing on Senate Bill 295, legislation that seeks to repeal House Bill 194, which Gov. John Kasich signed into law last year.

It proposed a number of changes to Ohio’s election laws, including eliminating the so-called “golden week” during which people can register to vote and cast ballots on the same day and prohibiting election boards from sending unsolicited absentee ballot applications to eligible voters.

Proponents believe the changes are needed to help prevent fraud and ensure election rules are applied consistently.

But opponents say the changes will make it harder for the elderly, low-income residents and minorities to cast ballots.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com