Suit challenges Ohio’s new rules for ballot drop boxes

(The Center Square) – A directive that limits who can use ballot drop boxes in Ohio is under fire.

Two voters filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Frank LaRose, saying the new rule sent to boards of election last month that bars family members of disabled voters from utilizing a drop box violates Ohio law.

Previously, people authorized to deliver ballots on behalf of a family member or a voter with a disability could deliver the ballot to a drop box.

LaRose’s new rule says those people can only deliver those ballots inside the election office after signing a statement confirming they can deliver the ballot.

“Ensuring Ohioans with disabilities have the freedom to vote should not only be a top priority for Secretary of State LaRose but it is part of his sworn duty as our chief elections officer,” Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney, D-Westlake, said. “Embarrassingly, LaRose has spent his time supporting legislation that has been deemed by our courts to attack the freedom of disabled Ohioans to participate in our democracy. Instead of doing the right thing and respecting our judicial system, LaRose has attempted to erect new barriers for some of our most vulnerable citizens, who just want to have a say in their government like everyone else. This is wrong and he must be stopped.”

The suit, filed by the Ohio Democratic Party and two voters, asks the Ohio Supreme Court to rescind LaRose’s directive. The plaintiffs say the directive violates state law, the Ohio Constitution, and the Voting Rights Act.

LaRose’s directive to all county boards of elections, board members, directors and deputy directors addressed what he called ballot harvesting, which is when others collect absentee ballots and deliver them for voters.

“It is important to ensure the integrity of each vote delivered on behalf of an absent voter," LaRose said in his directive. "The security of the delivery of absentee ballots remains paramount, especially as it applies to the use of unattended drop box receptacles.”

Ohio ballot drop boxes are unmanned but are under 24-hour video surveillance.