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Three-Judge Panel Shoots Down "Golden Week" In Democratic Lawsuit Over Early Voting

Karen Kasler

There may be no week in which Ohioans can register and cast ballots at the same time, if a ruling from a panel of three federal judges shortening Ohio’s early voting period holds up.

Two of the three judges shot down a previous judge’s ruling, which said a Republican-backed state law that eliminated the so-called “Golden Week” was unconstitutional because it hit minority voters disproportionately. Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted is happy with the decision. “Ohio has one of the most generous voting periods in the country, with Golden Week or without it, and the court affirmed that in their decision,” Husted said.

Ohio Democratic Party chair David Pepper says they’re disappointed and examining their options, which include appealing to the full Sixth Circuit court or to the US Supreme Court. If the ruling stands, Ohio’s early voting period will start Oct. 12, the day after voter registration closes.

Contact Karen at 614-578-6375 or at kkasler@statehousenews.org.
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