Make Up New Rules to Benefit Your Team

Brunner ordered election administrators to allow same-day registration in an apparent effort to aid Democrats

The Associated Press: Obama’s campaign is eager to take advantage of it this year. “This is one of many ways we’ll be encouraging our supporters to skip the lines on Election Day and make sure their vote is cast early,” said Isaac Baker, an Obama spokesman. (“Ohio voting law may be a boon for Obama supporters,” Phil Elliott, Associated Press, 8/13/08)

The Wall Street Journal: Advocates for the homeless and other groups say they will direct new voters to take advantage of the overlap between early voting, which begins Sept. 30, and voter registration, which ends Oct. 6. During that window, citizens can register and vote simultaneously. The outreach efforts are expected to benefit Democrats. (“Ohio Republicans use lawsuit to fight for state’s crucial vote,” Wall Street Journal, 9/13/08)

Toledo Blade: Ohio Republicans yesterday sued Democratic Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner over her directive allowing newly registered voters to immediately cast absentee ballots during a five-day window created by two overlapping laws. “This is about a chief elections officer who is willing to illegally open up the voting process when it benefits Democrats, but she’ll use every little technicality to keep Republicans from a ballot,” said Ohio GOP Chairman Kevin DeWine. (“Ohio GOP sues to block early voting,” Jim Provance, Toledo Blade, 9/13/08)

Madison County Prosecutor Stephen Pronai: “According to Ohio law an absentee ballot cannot be issued to a person who is not a qualified elector. One of the requirements to be a qualified elector is to be registered to vote for 30 days. Therefore, according to Ohio law, you cannot issue an absentee ballot until the voter has been registered for 30 days. I am unclear of the Secretary of State’s reasoning. I urge the Board of Elections to follow the law as stated in the Ohio Revised Code.” (Prosecutor’s opinion issued to the Madison County Board of Elections, 9/5/08)

Miami County Prosecutor Gary Nasal: “It is my opinion, and you are advised that the suggestion that your office engage in same day registration and voting in a manner which is contrary to Ohio law as described above is illegal, inappropriate, and impermissible.” (Prosecutor’s opinion issued to the Miami County Board of Elections, 9/4/08)

Holmes County Prosecutor Steve Knowling: “You should be aware that Ohio Revised Code Section 3509.04(B) specifically provides that a board of elections can only provide an absentee ballot to an individual who is a ‘qualified elector.’ To the extent that Secretary of State Directive 2008-63 orders a board of elections to act contrary to the above stated existing Ohio law, I find it is without legal foundation and should be disregarded.” (Prosecutor’s opinion issued to the Holmes County Board of Elections, 8/25/08)