Disability Rights Ohio reacts to controlling board decision

September 14, 2020

Last week, Disability Rights Ohio sent a letter to the Ohio Controlling Board to explain the importance of prepaid postage on absentee ballot return envelopes.

“Many voters with disabilities will be disproportionately disenfranchised in the November 2020 General Election if they are not able to submit absentee ballots by mail,” DRO Executive Director Kerstin Sjoberg said in the letter. “These barriers for voters with disabilities are inconsistent with the legal principles of equal access and opportunity under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).”

We just learned that the Ohio Controlling Board denied this request in a vote today. Our organization has serious concerns as to the negative impact this decision will have on election access for thousands of Ohioans with disabilities. We will continue to advocate for a fair and accessible election for all Ohioans.