Rep. Robinson releases statement on Ohio primary election amid confusion and growing cases of COVID-19

State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) today issued a statement as efforts remain ongoing to reschedule the Ohio primary, that was originally scheduled for March 17 but was postponed as the state continues to battle the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

“While I supported action to move our primary to ensure the health and safety of voters and poll workers, I was disappointed this decision was made at the last minute. Creating confusion undermines the integrity of our elections, and now puts us in a precarious position as we work on a legislative solution and others petition the courts to let the people vote,” said Rep. Robinson. “Democrats are committed to resolving this situation, guaranteeing that there will be a future opportunity for people to cast their ballots, either by mail or in-person. We cannot abandon our democratic process as we deal with our public health safety in these difficult times.”

The day before the election, Gov. Mike DeWine and Sec. of State Frank LaRose announced their recommendation that Election Day be moved to June 2, that was then denied in court. This situation led to chaos and misinformation in the late evening hours. Ohio’s Health Director, Dr. Amy Acton later ordered polling locations closed over coronavirus concerns.

Sec. LaRose and Dir. Acton do not have the legal authority to delay or change the date of an election. The election has not been officially delayed to June 2 and absentee voting has not been extended. Sec. LaRose does not have the authority to make such changes regarding the date of an election. Dir. Acton had the legal authority to close off the buildings used as polling elections out of public health safety. But that did not change the fact that the election was still officially held on March 17. Delaying an election day or extending absentee voting cannot occur until either the state legislature passes a law or there is a court order.

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus called upon Gov. DeWine, Speaker Larry Householder, and Senate Pres. Larry Obhof to reevaluate our preparedness for this election in the week prior to the election.

Multiple lawsuits are now occurring, including the Ohio Democratic Party suing to have the primary election held on April 28 and for absentee voting to continue. With now a future election date in question, the ACLU is bringing suit against Sec. LaRose as well to extend voter registration.

House Democrats are advocating for a vote-by-mail solution proposal that will balance public safety concerns with Ohioan’s democratic rights. The proposal would advance prepaid postage for absentee ballots, create an April 28 deadline for mailing in ballots with a reasonable grace period for return, and address other COVID-19 outbreak logistical concerns.

The state legislature is scheduled to return to Columbus next week for session in order to address extending voting in the primary election and potentially other issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.