Reps. Joe Miller, Russo Introduce Bill to Expand Absentee Ballot Drop Box Access as GOP Continues to Strip Ohioans' Voting Rights

COLUMBUS - State Reps. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) and Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) Wednesday introduced a bill to provide absentee ballot drop boxes at every polling place and to allow absentee ballots to be dropped off at any box within the county it was issued in.

This legislation comes at a time when GOP leaders in Ohio attempt to continue to strip Ohioans' right to vote.

"A healthy and vibrant democratic republic ensures that as many voices as possible are heard," said Rep. Joe Miller. "Our bill upholds that principle by providing reasonable and fair options to registered Ohio voters. Recent changes in state law have left many of our constituents worried that their vote will not count. This bill uses a commonsense approach that will maintain election security while responsibly relieving the burden placed on them by SB 293."

"Free and fair elections depend on more than just the right to vote," said Rep. Allison Russo. "They depend on the ability to exercise that right without barriers. Many people rely on absentee ballots, whether they are seniors, people with disabilities, college students away from home, or workers and caregivers whose schedules make in-person voting difficult. Making the return of absentee ballots more straightforward, reliable, and convenient ensures that these voters are not left out of the democratic process."

The bill allows voters with an absentee ballot to drop them off at any polling location in their county during election day hours. Each polling location would provide a clearly marked location that contains a secure drop box. After the polls close, poll workers would send the secure ballots to the county board of elections office to be tabulated.

The bill awaits a bill number and assignment to a House committee.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A picture of Reps. Joe Miller and Allison Russo introducing the bill is attached to this press release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.