Notice Letter to Missouri Governor Michael Parson and Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft Re: New June 2, 2020 Municipal Election Date Due to COVID-19

Now and always, Demos remains committed to fighting voter suppression and working with our community partners to remove barriers to participation that too often disproportionately impact people of color.

This pandemic is revealing the deeper inequities for Black and brown people that have always been present in our economy and democracy but that are often papered over in ordinary times.

If Ohio’s process prevents people from voting, it will have denied its citizens’ fundamental rights. And the state will hear from us.

“The state must hold a 2020 primary election that makes voting accessible for all eligible Ohioans, especially Black and brown voters who too often are pushed to the sidelines of our democracy by obstacles such as arbitrary voter registration deadlines or burdensome procedures for voting absentee or

Challenging the new process for conducting Ohio’s primary election as one that will deprive Ohioans of their fundamental right to vote and the failure of the state to allow voters to register up to 30 days prior to the election as a violation of the National Voter Registration Act.

“I think everybody’s looking at that law now as the standard.”

Brief submitted on behalf of Ohio A. Philip Randolph Institute and the League of Women Voters of Ohio 

The state must make voting accessible for all eligible Ohioans, especially Black and brown voters who too often are pushed to the sidelines of our democracy by obstacles such as arbitrary voter registration deadlines or burdensome procedures for voting absentee or at the polls.

“With a general election in November, we are continuing to take action through the current litigation to ensure the state of Florida has a plan and accommodations in place to assure access to the ballot for future elections.”