“Ohioans and every citizen across this nation need to know there is a concerted effort underway to limit, suppress and undo the uninhibited right to vote.”

WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH – Called as the lead witness, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) testified today before a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights regarding efforts to limit voting rights.  The hearing was held in the Carl B. Stokes United States Courthouse in Cleveland.

In her testimony, Congresswoman Fudge summarized the negative impact on voters of Ohio House Bill 194 and other election law changes in Ohio.  “If House Bill 194 officially becomes law, it would reduce access to voting by shortening the early voting period.  It would decrease the responsibility of poll workers to direct confused voters to their correct precincts.  The bill would make it more difficult for citizens to cast absentee ballots and complicate provisional voting.  House Bill 194 even eliminates the incredibly popular and effective early voting on Sundays,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

The Congresswoman also indicated states around the nation have erected barriers to voting rights. According to the Brennan Center for Justice 41 states introduced 176 restrictive voting bills since the beginning of 2011.

“This sophisticated, organized and well-funded effort is sweeping across America.   From Ohio to Wisconsin, down to Florida and across to Texas, the franchise is under attack.   The plan is clear- prevent certain pre-determined segments of the population from exercising their right to vote.  Students, the elderly, the disabled, minorities and low-income voters are all targets.”

Congresswoman Fudge thanked Senate Majority Whip and Subcommittee Chair Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) for bringing the hearing to her District and calling attention to this timely and important issue.

On a national level, Congresswoman Fudge has been an early, and continues to be a strong voice for voter protection.  

Click here for a copy of the Congresswoman’s testimony.

List of Witnesses at the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing in Cleveland

U.S. Representative Marcia L. Fudge, 11^th District of Ohio
David Arrendondo, Director of International Student Services, Lorain Community College
Carrie L. Davis, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Ohio / Education Fund
Dale Fellows, Republican State Central Committeeman, Lake county Republican Party
Gregory T. Moore, Campaign Director, Fair Elections  Ohio

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