By Larry Hayman
Pre-Law Specialist
Ohio University Center for Law, Justice & Culture
On the eve of the beginning of early voting in Ohio, the U.S. Supreme Court has stepped in and reinstated early voting restrictions passed by the Ohio General Assembly, but deemed likely unconstitutional by a U.S. District Court and U.S. Court of Appeals.
Though early voting was set to begin this week under the lower court rulings, those wishing to cast their ballot in the Buckeye state will now have to wait another week before doing so. Additionally, the 5-4 ruling eliminates the “Golden Week,” when Ohio voters could both register and vote at the same time. The ruling also means that there will be no in-person evening early voting hours in Ohio.
The ruling does not put an end to the controversy, however. The constitutionality of the voting restrictions is still currently pending on appeal. However, the decision effectively puts an end what rules will govern Ohio elections during the upcoming 2014 general election.
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