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Ohio's secretary of state directive sets earlier date for official vote canvass: Why, what does it mean, and who is concerned?

Secretary LaRose's office says the move protects Ohio voters by making sure their voice will be heard. Some Democrats say the move cuts off time for counting votes.

Victoria Dugger

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Published: 12:51 PM EDT October 22, 2020
Updated: 4:40 PM EDT October 22, 2020

On Oct. 16, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose issued a directive that expedites the timeline for county board of elections to complete their official voting canvass, setting the date as Nov. 18 from the previous Nov. 24 deadline.

The move sparked criticism from several Democratic state lawmakers, who claimed the move cuts off six days of vote counting time that counties might need to finish the canvass. 

A letter from Reps. Paula Hicks Hudson, Michele Lepore-Hagan, Catherine D. Ingram and Bride Rose Sweeney on Oct. 20 also called upon the secretary to investigate any delays caused by ballot provider Midwest Direct and confirm that any board that needs more time to count the votes beyond the imposed deadline will be granted the needed time.  

To one side, it’s a matter of calendars and laws and protecting Ohioans' votes. To the other, it’s a potential infringement of voter rights and a question of delays. Who’s correct? Here’s what both sides are saying. 

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