The Supreme Court handed down their decision today ruling against Ohio voters in the case Husted v A. Philips Randolph Institute — upholding the state's practice of purging voters who missed voting in a single election, no matter the reason.

This is unacceptable. We cannot look the other way while thousands of eligible voters are kept from participating in our democracy. The League of Women Voters efforts to fight for the rights of every voter is more important now than ever before.

The Supreme Court got this one wrong. The right to vote is not “use it or lose it.” The public trust in the fairness of our election is badly shaken. This decision will fuel the fire of voter suppressors across the country who want to make sure their chosen candidates win reelection — no matter what the voters say.

The League argues that Ohio’s practice of purging voters for missing a single election no matter what the reason — serving our country, caring for a sick child, or working — violated the National Voter Registration Act and kept hundreds of thousands of eligible, registered voters from participating in the 2016 elections. We have to be ready to fight when other states take this decision as a green light to implement more aggressive voter purges for the coming 2018 elections and beyond.

Jen Miller, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio said it best, “Not only did Ohio voters not find justice today, but the high court has opened up the opportunity for extreme voter purging in other states across the country. Today’s decision further limits the Voter Registration Act with an unreliable and unreasonable flag that carries a big impact.”

A democracy is strongest when every voice can be heard — when every eligible voter can cast their vote and have it counted. The League of Women Voters will continue to fight for voting rights, for equality at the ballot box and equal representation in government.

The Second City IMPROV ALL - STARS
 
LWV - Illinois and LWV - Chicago Host
LWVUS 2018 ConventionFundraiser

Friday, June 29 at 7:30pm - 8:30pm
 
The Grand Ballroom of The Chicago Hilton
720 South Michigan Avenue--Chicago, Illinois

Tickets Sold at Normandie Lounge, Second Floor
General Admission: $58 plus fees
 

Thurs., June 28 – Sun., July 1, 2018 at Hilton Chicago - 720 S. Michigan Ave.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.