DEAR EDITOR:

Senate Bill 293, an anti-voting bill currently heading to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk, is blatantly just another problem in search of a solution. If enacted, SB 293 would harm voter turnout by needlessly closing the four-day window Boards of Elections have to receive ballots after Election Day.

It must be underscored that these ballots are still required to be postmarked the day before Election Day, meaning that this bill would force our elections officials to discard otherwise valid votes. Our lawmakers often tout the security and safety of Ohio’s elections, so it begs the question as to why they are nonetheless committed to adding further barriers to the ballot box.

After signing HB 458 into law in 2023, Gov. DeWine publicly stated (https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/governor-dewine-signs-bills-into-law) that he does “not expect to see any further statutory changes to Ohio voting procedures while Governor.” It is critical that he commit to his word by vetoing SB 293 and protecting Ohio voters.

SARA TKAC

Youngstown