FROM THE PRESIDENTS DESK
October 2024
The Court has spoken on the language of Issue 1 and, unfortunately, merely added to the confusion of this proposed amendment. We are determined to get the message out that voting YES will end illegal gerrymandering. Members are continuing to make presentations to many venues and have a full plate. Signs are available, as are handouts by contacting Nancy Gurney or Ann Payne. Voter services continue their outreach, especially to the elderly and to young voters.
The annual campaign letters were sent out to members at the end of September, thanks to the work of Michelle MacFarlane. We are hoping for a very positive response so that we may continue to fund the many programs and services of our local League.
On the state and federal levels, Ohio once again finds itself in the limelight, due primarily to the actions of Ohio’s Secretary of State.
The election is around the corner. And, once again, Ohio is in the national limelight for its efforts in purging from voter’s lists, and private groups challenging voters who are registered, creating a severe burden to the offices of the Board of Elections who are required to conduct an investigation of these challenges. The goal is to create conflict and confusion in the electoral process, and disenfranchise legitimate voters, especially marginalized communities and minority populations.
Adding insult to injury, Ohioans are forced to vote pursuant to unconstitutional maps. The Ohio Supreme Court having declared the politician drawn maps unconstitutional on seven (7) occasions and ordering the drawing of fair maps, but politicians have ignored the Court’s orders and are requiring voting pursuant to illegal maps. This will hopefully be the last time Ohioans are forced to follow illegal maps. The passage of ISSUE ONE-VOTE YES will end this disgraceful, unfair and illegal practice once and for all.
Ohio is also in the limelight due to a recent directive by the Secretary of State which requires that anyone authorized to drop off the ballot on someone else’s request must go into the Board of Elections and sign an affidavit under threat of felony charges. This directive was issued after the Secretary of State had one of their rules declared illegal as applied to disabled. In addition to institution of this directive in retaliation for losing the case brought by the League of Women Voters, the Secretary has made allegations of partisanship on behalf of the League, an organization with over a 100-year history of providing voter registration, compiling and distributing nonpartisan educational materials, voters’ guides on candidates and forums to introduce candidates in a nonpartisan fashion.
The Secretary of State is charged with running free and fair elections in Ohio and facilitating the opportunity for eligible voters to participate in the electoral process. His behavior has demonstrated the exact opposite and anyone attempting to call him on this is personally and unfairly attacked. This most recent directive has been upheld by the Ohio Supreme Court. A review of the democratic process in Ohio must also include the fact that, contrary to all of the principles upon which our democracy is founded, voters are not allowed to elect the President of the United States despite the fact that the vast majority of voters support election of the President by popular vote. The League of Women Voters in Ohio will be making it their priority to abolish the Electoral College in accordance with the will of the people.
Rosemarie Barciz, Co-President
Bonnie Bishop, Co-President