Rep. Hicks-Hudson Statement on Sec. LaRose thumbing nose at Judge's Order, Judge demanding answers by 3 p.m. today

COLUMBUS— State Representative Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) responded today to developments in a lawsuit against Secretary of State Frank LaRose about his limiting all Ohio counties to one ballot drop box per county. Yesterday, a Franklin County judge declared LaRose’s actions “arbitrary” and “unreasonable,” but Sec. LaRose continued to instruct counties they could have no more than one drop box. The court has now ordered LaRose to answer for himself by today at 3 p.m. 

“Secretary LaRose is not honoring his word. First, he says he supports expanded drop boxes but he orders counties not to expand drop boxes. Next, he says – to a federal court – that he will abide by a state court order to expand drop boxes. But with that order in hand, he ignores it, disparages the judge, and continues to order all counties not to expand drop boxes.

This kind of lawless behavior is something we are used to from the White House. It’s sad to see our state’s chief election officer engaging in the same partisan games, disrespect of judges, and breaking his own promises. We will see what he has to say for himself back in court.”