WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH- Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) expressed her outrage today over a decision announced by Ohio Secretary of State John Husted regarding In-Person Absentee Voting hours. Husted’s decision was a tie breaker for the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections (CCBoE).

In a letter to the CCBoE Director Jane Platten dated July 13th, 2012, Secretary Husted indicated Cuyahoga County voters are not entitled to extended hours for in-person voting. He stated that because Boards of Election in other counties are operating under budget constraints, voters in Cuyahoga County may not vote on weekends or in any time period beyond the Board's normal business hours prior to the November 6th General Election.

"I would like to remind Secretary Husted that Cuyahoga County has demonstrated efficient use of its resources during the 2008 and 2010 election cycles without a need to reduce extended in- person early voting in the past," said Congresswoman Fudge.  "More importantly, voting is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.  It's about the most basic right of every American, the right to vote.  I'm left to wonder what Ohio's Secretary of State is afraid of - that the elderly, minorities, students and the poor might actually take advantage of voting during extended hours?  This decision is an attack on voting rights."

Congresswoman Fudge also noted Sec. Husted failed to give Cuyahoga County Election Board members an opportunity to brief their respective positions before deciding he knows what's best.  "Directives such as this continue to erode the confidence of the people in their elected officials at the county, state and national level. Shame on you, John Husted."