Legislature’s move to reduce the number of poll workers could result in long lines and confusion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2019
COLUMBUS – Mike Brickner, Ohio State Director for All Voting is Local, issued the following statement in response to Governor Mike DeWine’s signing House Bill 166 that includes a provision to reduce the minimum number of poll workers on Election Day:
“Reductions in poll workers could have dire consequences to our democracy. When polling places don’t have enough trained workers, voters face long lines and burdensome delays that threaten their ability to cast a ballot that counts.”
“Not only did Ohio legislators leave voters less protected, lawmakers slipped in this provision at the 11th hour without a hearing, robbing the public of the right to have a say. The move also comes as many Ohio counties adopt new voting machines in 2019 and 2020. The need for poll workers is more critical than ever. Reductions in poll workers in a high-turnout election with new equipment could create a perfect storm for voter disenfranchisement in 2020.
“We urge local boards of elections not to reduce the number of poll workers. We pledge to monitor these decisions to ensure voters have adequate assistance on Election Day.”
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All Voting is Local fights to eliminate needless and discriminatory barriers to voting before they happen, to build a democracy that works for us all. It is a collaborative campaign housed at The Leadership Conference Education Fund, in conjunction with the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation; the American Constitution Society; the Campaign Legal Center; and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. For more information about All Voting is Local, visit https://allvotingislocal.org and follow us on Twitter @votingislocal.