In a 4-3 decision, the Ohio Supreme Court upheld Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s directive that prevents anyone other than the voter from returning an absentee ballot to a drop box, even on behalf of family members or individuals with disabilities. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by Ohio Democrats challenging the August 31 directive, which LaRose said was designed to safeguard election integrity and prevent ballot harvesting.
LaRose’s directive requires that anyone assisting another voter by returning their ballot must do so in person at a county board of elections office, where they must complete an attestation form. Unlike drop boxes, available around the clock, these offices are open only during specific hours, often with wait times.
The court’s Republican majority dismissed the lawsuit, citing the plaintiffs’ delay in challenging the rule since early voting began on October 8. The Democratic justices dissented, stating that intervention was necessary to protect free, fair, and open elections.
Opponents argue the directive disproportionately affects seniors, people with disabilities, and working families, as they are more likely to need help returning absentee ballots. The Ohio Democratic Party argued the rule conflicts with both state law and Section 208 of the federal Voting Rights Act, which allows voters with disabilities to choose their assistance. Despite an earlier federal court decision striking down similar restrictions, LaRose implemented the new directive, blaming the court ruling for creating a risk to election integrity.
Read the ruling here.
