Appeals court: Ohio elections chief wrongly purged voters

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal appeals court says Ohio’s elections chief has been wrongfully removing eligible voters from the swing state’s registration list.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio and the public advocacy group Demos had challenged the state’s process for maintaining its voter rolls, claiming it illegally drops registered voters based on their failure to vote.

A three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati ruled Friday that Ohio’s process violates the National Voter Registration Act.

Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted (HYOO’-sted) has said the process used by Ohio for more than 20 years is constitutional and fully complies with state and federal laws.

In a July court brief, the Justice Department urged the appeals court to reverse the district judge’s decision.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.