Rep. Jarrells, Democrats stand with Ohioans, oppose anti-voter resolution on House floor

State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) joined Democrats in opposing a Republican resolution that would urge Congress not to pass HR 1, the For the People Act, federal pro-voter legislation that would protect the freedom to vote, prevent billionaires from buying influence in elections, and make sure voting options are equally accessible across all 50 states.

“Any law that makes it harder for eligible citizens to vote is wrong. The reality is that this country has a gruesome history of voter suppression, which threatens our democracy and cripples the voices of the people. We owe it to those who came before us to stand against resolutions like HCR 5,” said Rep. Jarrells.

The For the People Act contains a number pro-voter measures already working in states across the country, like same-day registration, automatic voter registration unless the voter opts out, expanded vote by mail, and accessible online voter registration. Democrats say these options would deliver safe and accessible elections and include more of us in making our voices heard.

House Democrats in Ohio have introduced a number of pro-voter bills in recent years, including legislation to expand access to secure ballot drop boxes, urge passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, create true automated voter registration, provide voters with paid return postage for mail ballots, and create a safe and accessible online system to request mail ballots, allow more than one early vote center per county and allow ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted.

In contrast, Republicans across the country have introduced over 350 bills restricting the right to vote this year, including in Ohio, where Republicans have pushed back against pro-voter policies and introduced House Bill 294, an anti-voter bill that would roll back ballot access and intentionally make the process more confusing for voters.