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Big Victory For Voting Rights
Tubbs Jones, Jackson, McAuliffe, Say Ohio District Court Decision on
Provisional Ballots a Victory for Ohioans
Washington, D.C. - Voters in Ohio won an important victory today when a judge ruled
in favor of protecting voter rights and ensuring every vote is counted. Today, a
federal judge sided with the Democratic Party of Ohio and ordered Republican
Secretary of State Kenneth J. Blackwell to issue a new directive regarding
provisional balloting. In a move designed to disenfranchise the people of Ohio,
Blackwell ordered precinct judges to issue state or general provisional ballots only
to persons who appear to have a voting residence in that particular precinct - a
direct violation of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).
"I am extremely pleased with the decision from the Ohio District Court today
regarding provisional ballots here in Ohio," stated Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs
Jones. "When my Democratic colleagues and I worked to pass the Help America Vote
Act, we wanted to protect the voting rights of all people so that no one would be
denied the right to vote on Election Day and provisional ballots were a very
important part of that legislation. This decision is in line with the spirit of the
Help America Vote Act. Secretary Blackwell was attempting to stifle the vote of the
people of Ohio. As the decision states 'Implementing HAVA need not be complicated.
The essence of the statute is: give a ballot, get a vote, and confirm eligibility
and count that vote later.' This is a clear victory for Ohioans and all Americans."
"Today the court stood up for justice in upholding the right of every American to
vote," said the Rev. Jesse Jackson. "Any barrier to allowing eligible voters to
cast their ballots ought to be struck down. In 2000, too many people lost their
right to vote through no fault of their own. I applaud the Ohio District Court for
taking a step in the right direction as we work to ensure that the problems of four
years ago are not repeated."
Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Terry McAuliffe joined Congresswoman
Tubbs Jones and Rev. Jackson in applauding this decision and called on other states
to follow suit. "We are committed to ensuring that all eligible voters are able to
cast a ballot on November 2nd," said Chairman McAuliffe. "Provisional balloting
will be especially important this year due to the redrawing of many districts after
the 2000 census, and we will fight to ensure that all states fully and properly
implement HAVA. I hope that Secretary Blackwell will put aside partisan politics
and do what is right for the people of Ohio."
Brendon Cull
Communications Director
Ohio Victory 2004 Democratic Coordinated Campaign
614-276-2004
513-615-3472
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