Federal Judge Overturns Key Provision of Ohio's HB 458: Protecting the Voting Rights of Disabled Citizens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Saint Marys, Ohio] — A federal judge has recently struck down a crucial provision of Ohio’s HB 458 election law, specifically targeting the section that restricted disabled voters' ability to select a person of their choosing to deliver their absentee ballots to the Board of Elections. The now-overturned provision would have confined this responsibility to a narrow list of relatives—an option that many disabled individuals either do not have access to or may not have at all. Under this provision, any individual outside of the approved list could have faced felony charges for assisting in the delivery of an absentee ballot.

The court’s decision rightly acknowledged that this provision was a clear violation of the Voting Rights Act, reaffirming the fundamental right of every citizen, including those with disabilities, to participate fully in our democracy.

In response to this ruling, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who recently failed in his bid for the U.S. Senate, has expressed his intent to undermine the court's decision. LaRose plans to instruct Boards of Elections to post notices on drop boxes, compelling those assisting disabled voters into attesting in writing that they are in compliance with state and federal law—an obvious attempt to intimidate and discourage those offering legitimate assistance. Furthermore, LaRose has proposed the radical idea of banning drop boxes altogether, a move that would only serve to make voting more difficult and less accessible for all Ohioans.

While we all share the goal of ensuring safe and secure elections, LaRose’s actions go far beyond safeguarding the electoral process and instead veer into outright voter suppression. This is an unacceptable stance in a democratic society. Voters deserve safe and secure elections, but they also have the unassailable right to cast their ballots freely, without undue burdens designed solely to suppress voter participation.

As we continue to navigate these challenges, my commitment remains steadfast: to uphold the rights of every Ohioan to vote without unnecessary obstacles and to push back against any efforts that seek to undermine our democratic principles.

Arienne Childrey

Candidate of Ohio House, District 84

ari4ohio@gmail.com