FitzGerald to challenge rules for early voting

Assoicated Press

CLEVELAND

The leader of Ohio’s largest county says he plans to challenge a new state law that bars county elections boards from mailing unsolicited, absentee-ballot applications.

Absentee ballots allow Ohio voters to cast an early ballot by mail or in person.

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald said Thursday he plans to introduce legislation in the county’s council that asserts its home-rule authority and provides a pathway to ensure the applications could be sent to voters in the county, which includes Cleveland.

FitzGerald is a Democrat and is running for governor.

Last week, Republican Gov. John Kasich signed a bill allowing the secretary of state to send the applications for general elections only if the Legislature directs the money for it. Other public officials would be banned from doing so.