Ohio voting rights advocates are celebrating today's decision by U.S. District Judge Peter Economus to restore three days of early voting in the state. State Senator Nina Turner (D) called it "extraordinary for democracy" on Friday's Ed Show. But that celebration comes with a tinge of caution.
Republican Attorney General Mike DeWine said this afternoon that he will appeal the judge's decision to the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
On The Rachel Maddow Show, the host interviewed Donita Judge, the lead attorney for Ohio's Advancement Project, who says there is no practical argument against early voting "other than to throw out the red herring of voter fraud."
Judge said the real fraud is "right wing politicians manipulating the voting laws because they actually know who's voting" - in early voting in Ohio, it's disproportionately African-Americans and traditionally Democratic voters.
"Elections have to be free, fair and accessible, and that's what the decisions said this week," said Judge. The Advancement Project had a victory this week, but with just over two months left until the election in November, and the legal fight dragging on, Judge said it's "already caused a lot of confusion in the state."
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Greatly appreciate Denita Judge's efforts to take a rather complex process and reduce it to clarity. She made the viewer feel that we were participants, within the thinking process, of the transition, and obstacles, to a timely resolution of this Ohio suppression. She clearly provides confidence that success will occur, but, timeframe may still impact voter confidence. Wonder about the possible positive implications of voters being alarmed about what could have been a disaster, and vote, in greater numbers, to do their civic duty, because of the pressure of adversity.
make sure you get out and vote, a lot of good people gave their lives to give us that Right!
It sad that you have to go to court to get your rights I am glad this judge realize this.
Please everyone get out and vote you need to get these people who are trying to take your rights away we need to vote all democrat so we can get back the house and keep the senate so we can get something done if not we will be right back where we are now
Here in Canada, it is a privilege to vote. As such, we do things like show our identification. Celebrate all you like but when a political party has nothing to offer but reasons why NOT to vote for the opposition, they are in trouble. Change is coming American and his name is Romney. Yes, Detroit will have its first president.
Yes, they vote early and often with several names. The dead even vote!