Ohioans, Democrats won't stop fighting against Ohio's Anti-Voter Bill

COLUMBUS— House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) and Rep. Richard D. Brown (D-Canal Winchester) commend the decision to postpone action on HB 294 and pledge to push back against all attacks on our freedom to vote.

Republicans on the House Government Oversight committee originally planned to vote on HB 294 today without holding any public testimony. Democrats and advocacy groups successfully pressed Republicans to postpone the vote until the committee heard testimony from Ohioans.

“The right to vote is our most fundamental freedom. House Bill 294 undermines that freedom by creating deliberate barriers to voting,” said Leader Russo. “A rushed lame duck session is no place to make changes that could deprive us of our rights and our voice. I commend the advocates who showed up today to speak out, and we will all remain ready to stop this harmful bill and any other attacks on our freedoms.”

As the Ranking Member on the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Browns stresses the fight will go on and that there is additional important work to be done. 

“House Bill 294 is dangerous, anti-voter legislation that threatens Ohioans’ right to safe and accessible elections,” said Rep. Brown. “I commend the additional hearings, as it is critical that Ohioans have the opportunity to speak out on legislation like HB 294 that will erode their freedom to vote. There are many bipartisan opportunities in this General Assembly which would benefit Ohioans. HB 294 only distracts us from realizing these opportunities.”

The House Oversight Committee is expected to reconvene next week. Ohioans interested in testifying can contact Chair Wilkin’s office by (614) 466-3506 or email testimony to governmentoversightcommittee@ohiohouse.gov.