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Earlier Ballot-Counting Deadline From LaRose Has Some Ohio Democrats Worried

By Jo Ingles

Published October 20, 2020 at 7:43 PM EDT

Some Democratic state lawmakers want to know why Republican Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is shortening the amount of time counties can have to finish the official count in the Nov. 3 election.

Ohio House Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) and others say state law allows until Nov. 24 to complete the official canvass. That's the period of time when county boards of elections can count ballots and handle provisional votes. Secretary of State Frank LaRose recently issued a directive that shortened that period by six days.

Ohio is projecting a huge voter turnout, Sweeney said, with many early and first-time voters – which could mean more voter confusion and mistakes that would need to be corrected. Plus, she said ballot printing delaysand changes in mail service are already causing concern about delays, so boards of elections need the maximum time they can get to count ballots. Without enough time to ensure a proper count, Sweeney fears some voters could be disenfranchised.

“One person who could have had their ballot counted who didn’t, that’s one too many," Sweeney said.

A spokesman for LaRose said Tuesday the expedited deadline of Nov. 18 will ensure there is enough time for recounts if necessary.

Under state law, Ohio has until Dec. 8 to seat Electoral College delegates and LaRose’s office must certify local results by Dec. 4.