Voting Rights

Letters to the Editor
August 10, 2012

Columbus Dispatch,

In the 2012 Ohio Voter Information Guide Jon Husted says:  “The Secretary of State’s office is committed to ensuring that each Ohioan who is eligible to cast a ballot is able to do so.”

We learned, in the 2004 election, that 5 hour lines at the polls on Election Day kept some of those, who were eligible, from casting their ballot.  That was corrected in 2008 by allowing early in-person voting.

We have just 5 days left to make history in Ohio by putting citizens in charge of Fair Districts.

In response to heavy interest from thousands of Ohioans, Voters First has just opened new signing locations all across the state. It is now easier than ever to find a location to sign a petition and get involved.

Come learn about "The Citizen's Redistricting Project" next Friday, July 20, 2012, at the Franklin County Democratic Party's Third Friday Luncheon. The guest speaker with be Professor Daniel P. Tokaji, a noted authority on election law and voting rights. The luncheon will be held at The River Club at Confluence Park, 679 W. Spring Street, Columbus, 43215. The cost is $16, and is payable at the door with only cash or check, no credit cards.

This Saturday people all across Ohio will be hitting the streets, fighting for fair voting districts. Help put voters first by canvassing for signatures on June 9th at either 10 AM or 2 PM (or both if you’re a rock star!). Meet at 1395 Dublin Rd.

Our next Coffee and Conversation will be on June 2nd, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. We'll be meeting at Panera by the OSU Campus, 300 W. Lane Avenue. It's nestled between College Traditions and Conrad's, across the street from St. John Arena.  Special guest speaker will be J.R. McMillan of the Columbus Chapter of Video the Vote, a national network of citizen journalists, independent filmmakers, and media professionals working together to document voter suppression and disenfranchisement.

The background: Nonpartisan, good government organizations in Ohio have proposed a constitutional amendment that would reform Ohio’s redistricting process. With enough support this issue can be on this November’s ballot, so that Ohio’s voters can decide.

FAQ: What You Need to Know About the 2012 Ohio Congressional Redistricting Movement

Ohio’s Congressional and state legislative districts were redrawn last year.

Voters First Ohio, has organized a campaign to get a constitutional amendment on the ballot this November to enable citizens, not politicians, to draw election districts.

UAPA Membership meeting
Upper Arlington Public Library, Friends Theater
3/20/12, 7:00 pm

Dick Gunther, Ohioans for Fair Districts