There may be no more "Golden Week" when Ohioans can register and cast ballots at the same time, if a ruling by a three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati shortening Ohio’s early voting period holds up. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.
Two of the three judges shot down a previous judge’s ruling, which said a Republican-backed state law that eliminated the so-called “Golden Week” was unconstitutional because it hit minority voters disproportionately. Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted is happy with the decision.
“Ohio has one of the most generous voting periods in the country, with Golden Week or without it, and the court affirmed that in their decision.”
Ohio Democratic Party chair David Pepper says they’re disappointed and examining their options, which include appealing to the full Sixth Circuit court or to the US Supreme Court. If the ruling stands, Ohio’s early voting period will start Oct. 12, the day after voter registration closes.
