Voter advocacy organizations have raised concerns about the systematic removal of voters from the rolls in several Ohio counties, potentially violating federal law. The groups have sent a letter to Ohio's Secretary of State, urging him to address the issue within 20 days or face potential legal action.
The advocates point to instances in counties such as Delaware, Muskingum, Logan, and possibly Cuyahoga, where mass removals of voters suspected of moving out of state have occurred. They argue that these removals, based on challenges by third-party groups without direct knowledge of voters' situations, are illegal under the National Voter Registration Act.
The Act prohibits the systematic removal of names from voter rolls 90 days before a federal election and requires election officials to notify voters at risk of being removed. It also allows a four-year window for voters to rectify any issues with their registrations.
Ohio's Secretary of State's office has acknowledged the challenges but maintains that state law permits voter challenges until 30 days before an election, though this law applies to individual voters, not systematic removals.
Similar challenges to voter registrations have been reported in other states, with Democrats alleging a coordinated effort to undermine the integrity of the electoral process. In Michigan, registrations were reinstated following third-party challenges, while the Justice Department sued Alabama for allegedly illegal voter purges.
In Ohio, examples provided include the removal of voters in Delaware County and Muskingum County based on residency challenges by third-party groups. The advocates argue that proper notice and waiting period procedures were not followed in these cases.
Ohio's Secretary of State recently cast a tie-breaking vote against sustaining most challenges in Delaware County, citing a lack of clear evidence in some cases. He commended citizens for their engagement in verifying voter rolls but emphasized the importance of ensuring honest and accurate elections.
The issue of voter removals in Ohio raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the need to adhere to federal laws governing voter registrations.
