The “pre-emptive” repeal of HB 194—a law that severely limits early voting in Ohio—has the support of the House, according to House Speaker Bill Batchelder. But, Batchelder also said that the House likely will not act on other election law changes before November, a promising turn of events for voters and advocates.
“It is great news that the legislature has finally heard the voices of more than 300,000 Ohio voters who signed a petition to put a stop to the voter suppression tactics contained within HB 194,” said Project Vote election counsel, Camille Wimbish.
“The pledge to hold off on any new elections bills until after November will ensure that procedural rule changes will not affect the outcome of this presidential election,” she said. “It also provides an opportunity for pursuing true bipartisan support for thoughtful elections reform.”
HB 295 passed out of the House State Government And Elections committee yesterday, although advocates caution that it does not truly repeal HB 194 as it still limits early voting. Learn more about HB 295 here and here.