OSU's Prof Tokaji: Ohio's New Disenfranchisement Bill

[mod mom]

In 2004, Ohio became infamous for making it difficult to vote and have one’s vote counted. Much of the criticism was directed at then-Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. Remember his directive to reject registration forms on less than 80-pound paper weight?

Now, Ohio House Republicans are attempting to go further than Blackwell ever dared. In an obvious attempt to gain an advantage in the 2012 presidential election, they are attempting to rush through a bill (HB 159) that would make it more difficult for eligible citizens to have their votes counted. Ohio already has a tough voter ID law, but the proposed bill would make the burden on eligible citizens more onerous, requiring that in-person voters present one of four specified forms of government-issued photo identification.

“Disenfranchisement” isn’t a word to be used lightly. But it is necessary to capture this bill’s purpose and impact. Passage of this bill would restore our state’s unfortunate reputation as the nation’s capital of vote suppression. Yet so far, it has gone completely under the radar. This comment provides background on the problem, debunks the arguments in favor of the bill, and anticipates the lawsuits that can be expected to follow if it passes.

The Problem

What’s so bad about voter ID? The basic problem is that many eligible citizens don’t have the types of ID that the bill would require. While it’s hard to say exactly how many will be discouraged from voting, we do know that some segments of the population will be especially hard hit – particularly young, elderly, disabled, and minority voters. These groups are much less likely to have the types of ID that Ohio’s new bill would mandate.

-snip
http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/electionlaw/comments/index.php?ID=8199


This line sums it up: "the bill’s real purpose is to keep eligible Ohioans from voting"

[sinkingfeeling]

1. The GOP push for voter IDs is spreading through the states like the anti- public union bills. They

proposed one in Arkansas last week.

[mod mom]

2. Yep..it's a coordinated effort by the GOP just like their attempts to union bust.

The only way they can win elections is by a huge discrepancy in funds used and by cheating.

[Yellow Horse]

3. Is this article about OH or PA? Because with what is going on in PA it could be either.

http://repmetcalfe.com/NewsItem.aspx?NewsID=10816

HB 934 and HB 647. State Government Committee Chair Daryl Metcalfe (teabagger type ultraconservative) is the head sponsor of HB 934 and is sure to take it to the floor of the PA House.

BEWARE. Our democracy is under attack... again. (and again.... and again....)

[mod mom]

4. This is a poll tax. Here are some stats:

1. A Georgia analysis showed that 20% of all people over 60 and 35% over 75 don't have a driver's license;

2. U Wisconsin study in Milwaukee County found that 53% of Af-Am and 57% of Hispanics had no license vs 15% whites. The disparity was worse in the 18-24 age group: 74% Af-Am are without a license as are 66% Hispanic vs. 29% whites.

3. The 2000 census data provides evidence in terms of vehicle ownership in Cleveland and East Cleveland, where 32% of Af-Am households did not have a vehicle. Across the county, ownership of a vehicle is closely related to household income.

All these people will find it exceptionally difficult to vote. This bill is worse than a poll tax, it is an effective bar to hundreds of thousands.

SOURCE: Norman Robbins, CASE Ohio