The state is appealing a decision by a federal judge this week that would have restored the week when Ohioans could both register to vote and cast a provisional ballot on the same day.
Secretary of State Jon Husted is appealing Republican U.S. District Judge Michael Watson’s initial order to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
The order said eliminating the so called “golden week” was unconstitutional and violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965 because it disproportionately hurt African American voters.
In Husted’s appeal, he argues the elimination of the golden week has bipartisan support, and it was eliminated because it had become an administrative problem and voter-integrity issue.
He claims out of state voters were illegally registering to vote and casting ballots during this time period.
The Ohio Democratic Party, which filed the lawsuit to reinstate golden week, said Husted and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine are "wasting Ohioans’ tax dollars, all in an effort to make it harder for Ohio voters to cast a ballot. ... It's a sad day."
