Secretary of State Frank LaRose is under intense scrutiny from legislators and local leaders in the Cincinnati area over recent changes to voting regulations. Critics, led by the Hamilton County Democratic Party, accuse LaRose of attempting voter suppression through new absentee voting rules and proposed legislative changes.
The controversy centers around new restrictions on absentee voting, which opponents argue disproportionately affect voters and limit their ability to participate in elections. At a press conference held Tuesday morning, prominent figures such as U.S. Representative Greg Landsman, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, and Hamilton County Commissioners voiced their concerns about the potential impact of these rules on voter access and participation.
In addition to the absentee voting restrictions, LaRose is advocating for legislative action that would require proof of citizenship in order to vote. Critics argue that this requirement could create additional barriers for eligible voters, potentially disenfranchising many citizens.
The press conference highlighted the growing tensions between local officials and the Secretary of State’s office, with concerns about voter access and election integrity at the forefront of the debate. Supporters of LaRose’s proposals argue that such measures are necessary to ensure the security and integrity of elections, while opponents maintain that they undermine democratic participation and fairness.
LaRose talks about the issue:
