Office of the Ohio Secretary of State
Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted
A controversial voter ID law in Pennsylvania. A flawed bid to remove non-citizens from the voting rolls in Florida. The elimination of the last three days of early voting in Ohio.
As if all that wasn’t enough to worry about, voting rights advocates say they’re concerned about yet another development that could disenfranchise legitimate voters—one which has largely flown under the radar, despite its potential to affect the presidential race: A reduction of nearly half a million in the number of Ohio’s registered voters since 2008—seemingly concentrated in populous, Democratic-leaning areas—amid an aggressive effort by the state’s Republican leadership to pare the rolls.
The Advancement Project, a leading voting-rights group, has filed public records requests with Ohio’s counties to look into whether the process used to remove names from the rolls was legal, the group’s co-director, Penda Hair, told Lean Forward. “We are definitely concerned,” she said.
Diana Kasdan, a lawyer with the Brennan Center for Justice, which supports voting rights, said her group, too, is “definitely taking a look at” the issue.
Subodh Chandra, a Democratic civil-rights lawyer based in Cleveland, was blunter. “What seems to be clear is that they’re making an effort to remove as many people from the rolls as possible before the presidential elections,” he said.
The Buckeye State is shaping up once again to be perhaps the single key battleground in the presidential race. But the state’s voting rolls have shrunk from 8.3 million on Election Day 2008 to 7.8 million at the start of September 2012, according to an analysis by the Cleveland Plain-Dealer, based on data from the Secretary of State’s office and the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s a decline of nearly 6 percent at a time when Ohio’s population, like that of most states, appears to be growing slightly. In 2004, President Bush won Ohio, and with it the election, but just 119,000 votes.
In the state’s most populous county, Cuyahoga, which includes Cleveland, the rolls have shrunk by nearly 20 percent, almost twice as large a percentage decline as any other county has seen. Thirty-five percent of Cuyahoga County residents are black or Hispanic, and President Obama won 70 percent of the vote there in 2008.
The reductions come on the heels of a concerted effort by Jon Husted (pictured), Ohio’s Republican Secretary of State, to pare the state’s voting rolls. Husted already has attracted the ire of voting-rights groups and Democrats after at first approving a plan that would have allowed for longer early voting hours in GOP-leaning counties than in Democratic ones (he later backed down), then fighting an effort to restore the last three days of early voting, and firing two Democratic elections officials who stood up to him on the issue. Last month, Husted was scheduled to speak to the Tea Party group True the Vote, which has been widely accused of using intimidating tactics to suppress voting, before pulling out at the last minute. And he recently told a different Tea Party group that he hoped to see new voter ID measures implemented next year.
Federal law requires that states take steps to maintain accurate voting rolls, and even voting-rights groups acknowledge the importance of doing so. Since taking office in 2011, Husted has made cleaning up the rolls “a top priority of his administration,” his office said in a legal filing (pdf) made last week, in response to a lawsuit by True the Vote and another conservative group, aimed at forcing him to conduct a more aggressive purge.
Husted’s office has improved the process by which the state receives information on deceased voters, leading to the removal of 153,000 names from the rolls, according to a spokesman, Matthew McClellan. The office also has worked to eliminate duplicates, which has accounted for “hundreds of thousands” more removals, McClellan said. In addition, it has begun working with the Ohio DMV to improve the accuracy of the information in its database. And it asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for access to an immigration database which could have been used to pare the rolls on the basis of citizenship, but was denied. (After its own request was denied, Florida instead used a flawed state DMV database to conduct a controversial citizenship-based purge. McClellan said Ohio has not conducted a citizenship-based purge.)
“The rolls in Ohio are in the best shape that they’ve been in for years,” McClellan said.
In Cuyahoga County, many of the roughly 214,000 removals came in the summer of 2011, when the county took off around 100,000 voters who hadn’t voted in several years and hadn’t responded to a 2007 mailing. At that time, the county had discovered it had more people on the rolls than it had citizens of voting age. Another 93,000 were duplicates, Jane Platten, the county’s elections director, told Lean Forward.
Much of the impetus for the removal efforts came from the state, Platten added. “The state’s been real aggressive on making sure counties keep up with that,” she said.
But voting-rights advocates say there’s been little information about the process by which removals have been made across the state, raising concerns that legitimate voters could have been knocked off the rolls, with little time left before the election to find out and fix the problem.
Chandra singled out the removals of dead voters as a particular concern. “Because there’s no transparency, it’s hard to know whether or not they are removing people who are truly dead and should have been removed, or whether they are taking a hatchet-type approach,” he said. “There doesn’t seem to be a great expression of care about not making mistakes.”
“I’m concerned about the reasons for doing it this close to an election, and whether this is a systematic removal that would be prohibited within 90 days,” said Hair, noting that states are banned under federal law from conducting large-scale purges within 90 days of an election. She added: “If we find something that we believe is a serious violation that’s affecting a large number of people,” there’s a “strong possibility” the group will file a lawsuit.
McClellan said the state goes through “multiple steps” to ensure that legitimate voters aren’t knocked off. But, perhaps given Husted’s record as a less-than-zealous defender of voting rights, that’s doing little to ease some concerns.
“If the Secretary’s voter purge winds up deciding the election,” said Chandra, “then that will undermine Ohioans and all Americans confidence in our democracy.”
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I STILL have a VERY strong feeling, that MOST if not ALL of "today's" tea-bag Governors and their Tea-Bag Legislature, have truly succeeded in making sure MORE and MORE and even MORE Voters having realized the Truth: "TODAY'S" Republican Party MUST be VOTED INTO EXTINCTION******Voted Into EXTINCTION*****..."TODAY'S" Republican Party IS the SOURCE of EVERY Problem we have today!!!!......."The 'Piss and Moan' Party"!!!!!
"TODAY'S" GOP have already figured out they are 110% Irrelevant.....Stuck in the 1950's......Have done NOTHING to attract more new voters, new demographics, a NEW America!!!!! Romney:"...the Soviet Union...", "...our #1 Geo-Political FOE....", etc etc etc......I predict in 10 - 15 years, they WILL be EXTINCT!!!!!
The Republican Party appeals to taxpayers. The democrat party appeals to the 47% that live off the taxpayers. I don't think the Republicans will be going out of business any time soon.
I'm a taxpayer and in the 47% and Republicans stink. They are radical, egotistical, power crazed, idiots. They only care about their own crap that gives everything to the Insurance co. big business and etc. because they own them lock,stock and barrel. Talk about living off the goverment, they do a good job at it. They should all be fired, fined their salaries, no work, no pay, no job!!! And all they have done for 4 yrs is figure out ways to suppress the Democratic voters, and they are getting away with it, which is making me so frustrated and boiling mad. We do not live off the goverment, we paid into it for 55yrs. and we still pay some income taxes. And some of the hard working people who use deductions to pay lower taxes still pay payroll tax and etc. What rock have you been living under? We all have a right to vote even you!!!!
The T-party is reaping just what it has sown for several years: A Democratic victory.
And thankfully that includes the T-party obstructionists in Congress.
Nobody with a knowledge of how government works will miss them.
They can do what they want to prevent people from voting but the people will prevail in the end. Who wants to vote for a party that obstructs the keystone of Democracy: The right to VOTE!
pat
If you're part of the 47%. You are irrelevant.
T-party obstructionists in Congress.
They are trying to keep Democrats from doing any more damage to this country. We're still living with the Carter/Clinton syndrome that got jammed down our throats.
"They are trying to keep Democrats from doing any more damage to this country. "
Is that what you think they think they are doing? You need to be true to yourself and take a real look at history to see who has really done damage to this country. Funny it seems that Democrats always have to clean up your mess.
thanks ente. it's about time one of you right wing dimbulbs took responsibility for the poor economy. it's obvious that obama's policies would have supercharged the economy if it hadn't been for treacherous unpatriotic righties!
the cowardly right had nothing but obstruction and the american people are finally realizing the truth.
You need to be true to yourself
You betcha!!
Every time I look at what Barry has planned for me next year I send another check to Romney.
It's your money to waste.
Amen!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tpAOwJvTOio
Folks, the pretextual "hunt for voter fraud" goes beyond registration purging and poll watchers. In states where poll watchers are more heavily regulated, True the Vote and their affiliates/allies are recruiting and training people to be actual election judges. One organizer went so far as to say "Being an election judge is even better than being a poll watcher as you are actually running the election."
So do you think that driver's license makes your vote safe?
Any liquor store clerk knows how easy it is to get a fake. Do we expect TTV not to be aware of this fact in their training? Does the state provide adequate guidance for election judges in determining whether an ID's picture sufficiently matches the person staning before them? What about the signature matching requirements?
These subjective judgment calls concerning a person's right to vote a regular ballot may end up in the hands of someone trained to be paranoid rather than reasonably vigilant. See for some of the flaws in Ohio's laws protecting voters on election day.
Deleted duplicate comment. Sorry, guys.
http://dailycaller.com/2012/09/26/taxpayers-spent-1-4-billion-on-obama-family-last-year-perks-questioned-in-new-book/#ixzz27fs4Sgxh
Now post what every other Preident recieved. Even your god GWB. It's part of the office. ALL elected officials recieve "perks".
If Romney can not get people to believe his lies enought to vote for him or maybe they are part of the 47% he claims he does not care about, seems the Republicans can not win fair and square so lets cheet. I think they need to ask the justice dept to look into these out and out disception of the Republican party it is the right of all Americans to vote and no one should be keep from doing so. If you are 18 yrs old do not have your rights removed because of a felony record you have every right to vote. IF they keep you from doing so then sue them. in Civil court. Take all there money and you will be in the top 1% so you can make the change needed to stop the fruad.
Why would anyone support a party which tries to prevent people from exercising their fundamental, constitution right: The right to vote!
To me, that is tantamount to treason.
Hi India and Larry!
Hi back at ya, A Berry!
Nationalize ALL VOTING laws
Hey ENTE: You must be on something! Drinking the Republican Kool-Aide are you? Well, dream on Pal, for your information the vast majority do not like anything about the Republicans, especially their shabby treatment of the 47%, the middle class, students, Latinos, and the poor. The sorry excuse for human beings that call themselves Tea Party believers, do their best to destroy America along with the government. You are no doubt part of the 47% that Romney/Ryan detest, and the Republican Tea Party Nuts want to destroy. If people like you keep refusing to face reality and continue to defend a political party that really no longer exists, it may just take a bit longer, however, the day is fast approaching when the Tea Party Republican Extremists will be just a bad memory. The sooner that happens-the better for America. Wise up and join the people on this planet, take a good look at the current Republican Party incessant lies, voter suppression, money mongers trying to buy the election for their own best interest, waging war against half the Nation, and women, the poor and students. Abolishing every program that lends a helping hand to those less fortunate, privatize social security and Medicare, abolish Medicaid, the Dept. of Education, FDA and EPA, and remove every regulation and safeguard from big Banks and Wall Street. All these horrible things while lowering taxes for the super rich, and raising takes on everyone else. The hate spewing racist extremists that have taken over the Republican Party really like war too. Just what we need, more useless, stupid wars like Bush/Cheney got us into. Next will be Iran, then North Korea, the Syria, and on and on if they were to get in the White House. God forbid Romney/Ryan ever get in any power position, especially the one their losing now. President Obama is certainly not perfect, and he will be the first to admit that fact, but he sure appears perfect when compared to Romney/Ryan.
Drinking the Republican Kool-Aide are you?
I don't drink the Kool Aide, I make the Kool Aide.
the day is fast approaching when the Tea Party Republican Extremists will be just a bad memory.
I'd say go back to bed and wait for monthly check, you've got nothing to worry about.
@Ente
lol dude..listen to yourself..you're funnier than Mittsy and the extinction party of NO. Have a Coke and smile on the way out the back door. Hahahahahah.
psss...don't forget to ask Mittsy for that $2 endorsement check you keep sending to him. We'll keep it a secret.
why do the gutless cowards on the right feel compelled to have to cheat to win elections? why can't they win on their ideas and policies?
oh yeah, they have no ideas. they have no honor. they have no morality. they are the lowest scum.
cheat to win elections?
Cheating is one thing, the art is in getting away with it.
Does anyone know if the reduction was a reduction in Actual Citizens or was it a reduction of people who don't have the right to vote in the first place?
TAP, Why do you have to keep this right-wing propaganda going? Every citizen has the right to vote, and people who don't have that right, DON'T VOTE. And never did! There's been NO VOTER fraud, Period.
India...you could be correct....but how do you know that??? How can you even collect the data to prove your statement?
this is chilling.
The best thing we can do is make all our family, friends, neighbors etc. aware of voter laws, regardless of state. I'm in Georgia, and we've had an id for a while, but I've talked to people that didn't know that if they lost their voter registration card, they can still show up with their drivers license or veteran id card if it has their correct address. I tell them how they can look up their district and precinct online (redistricting has caused some confusion at the polls, people don't know anything about minor races when they don't find out in time). I tell them to look up the sample ballots that league of women voters produces, and check that against what the government sites say are their candidates. League of women voters produces sample ballots with the platforms of candidates in their own words, as they submit themselves to the league of women voters (no bias). When candidates don't talk to the league, then you just have to look up local news articles and do your own digging! It's a lot of homework, but our biggest problem is that people aren't well versed in civics and the political process anymore, and the voter law issue is just a symptom. The cure is education.
I am with you georgiawoman. If you care about voting, get the proper credentials. If you don't care about voting, then quit griping and don't vote. The citizens against taking care of voter rolls are too lazy to get the proper ID's. It's not a big deal. That is just one way for them to whine. If Obama is not reelected, it will be because the GOP cheated? I don't think so. The dems are preparing for the worst and getting their excuses in order. Laying the ground work for a defeat. However the elections turns out, that is the way it is. We must all live with it no matter how much we hate it. Life goes on.
Voter ID laws are one thing but at least allow for a reasonable amount of time for people to comply with the new law -- not 2 months or 4-6 weeks. Such short time periods are not reasonable, not by any stretch of the imagination. The intent of the teabaggers is quite transparent: it's called voter suppression.
...and in related news; "RNC cuts ties with firm over voter fraud allegations", By Michael Isikoff, NBC News
A pie-in-the-sky idea:
The $2.9 million could have been offered to the Florida State Board of Elections and, much like U.S. Census takers, temporary jobs could have been offered by a „neutral" (i.e. state-certified, transparent and/or legally accountable?) agent; or would that be „socialism"?
The sad reality:
On the other hand, "free-market", partisan, "entrepreneurs" can register voters of their preference;
With a two-fold side effect:
First, opposition registrations can be… "misplaced"
(while leaving the individual with the impression that they are registered to vote… only to discover the contrary on Election Day, when it is too late.)
Second, information collected can be utilized to build lists for the specific purpose of disseminating targeted misinformation among potential opposition voters
(i.e. contacting them and "informing" them that polling locations/times have changed, offering a ride to polling stations and then never showing up, etc.)
…all with a Priebus shrug, cynical grin (and adolescent wink); "hey it's not illegal, heh heh" (but interfering with ones' postal service is a felony)… anyone remember the Republican "Census Forms"?
...perhaps the decades of voter supression dirty tricks will finally get the attention it deserves; would be interesting to see a registration of those voters that were denied their voting rights.
Lets say I do not want to look to far back in history. Bush took us into 2 devastating wars to the economy (Yet Haliburtan thrived Dick Chaney) & a financial disaster worst then the great depression. Which destroyed jobs, financial security, housing & retirement funds for all Americans.
In the last 4 yrs Republicans are known for voter fraud & supression lying and cheating. Turning states into Right to Work take a look here in Az if u think that is a good thing. At least we have wonderful weather to counteract this. Abolishment of minimum wage if they get their way. Rights for a women to choose so insurance cos get their 150% profits back. Don't kid yourself it is not about the egg thing.
Social security & medicare. 28 yrs ago the Republicans went after these issues for their campaign contributions & I said to myself at least my dad will get his. Now here I am 58 & they r now playing the same game. It is a game. Once us baby boomers die it will be solvent again. But remember we paid into it to & the Bush era lost the funds because of the stock market failure. Also it is not about abortion it is about once we baby boomers go the population decreases which means less tax payers.
U know as u young grow up in this world u have so much technology at ur fingers we never had. Use it wisely. Do not let these old timers who r in it for themselves dictate going into war w/Iran for oil cos. Their is no legitimate rape in life or in our American heritage. Remember war is money for the rich. They own Boeing, steel cos., ship companys. We do have enough technology in this great USA to become energy efficient. We r the world power & will remain as long as we stay focused moving our country forward bringing back jobs & financial security for ALL. We will never end the religious wars we can only protect this great country & citizens.
Last but not least we r smarter now then to let us it be about Democrates & Republicans. We are Americans united. Their r good & bad in both. The Republicans have gone so far to the right since they r in danger of being extinct & they should be. Look at all the right wingers u have forced out the good Republicans who were team players for all Americans. This election can send a message.
This is the message. Their is a reason why George Romney lost the presidency. Their is a reason why Mitt could never beat Teddy Kennedy with all his baggage. The reason is they r not team players & they do not care about all Americans they care only for their few. Weather we want to believe or not this is a real pivotal moment in history that says we will not suppress the vote & cheat to win we r better then that. We will protect our democracy to move this country forward for all not just the 1% because we r Americans. Obama 2012
That is a perfect example of politics by ideology (both sides) rather than basing policy on reason. I live in an ivy legue university town that provides all services on campus, merchants benefit very little by students. The University has gobbled up 50 % of the property-tax free and ischoking the rest of us financially. The university has become a community pariah. They are powerful and self-focussed financially. Student voting on local issues has served to only further erode community self-efficacy and social, cultural and financial stability and diversity.