Ohio Court Upholds Limited Ballot Drop Box Use

The Ohio Supreme Court upheld Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s directive limiting the use of ballot drop boxes to voters returning their own ballots, rejecting a challenge from the Ohio Democratic Party. Individuals delivering ballots for family members or disabled voters are required to physically enter the county board of elections and fill out an attestation form instead of using drop boxes. This decision, made along party lines, is intended to prevent 'ballot harvesting' and maintain election integrity, despite criticism over burdens on certain voters, particularly those with disabilities. The court ruled the challenge was filed too late and noted that changing election rules close to the election could cause confusion. Similar restrictions have been blocked in states like Alabama, Georgia, and Nebraska amid broader legal battles over voting access. Critics argue that these restrictions suppress voter turnout and violate constitutional rights.