Press Release

Ohio Environmental Council endorses Ohioans for Secure and Fair Elections ballot campaign

MJ Eckhouse, February 18, 2020

Today, the Ohio Environmental Council endorsed Ohioans for Secure and Fair Elections, a campaign gathering signatures to place a voting rights constitutional amendment on the ballot in November 2020. 

“At the OEC, the health of our environment and our communities is at the forefront of all we do. We believe a healthy democracy empowers voters to demand a healthy environment,” said Heather Taylor-Miesle, executive director of the OEC. “We support the Ohioans for Secure and Fair Elections ballot campaign because it will protect and strengthen Ohio’s democracy and our environment.” 

The proposed voting rights amendment will modernize Ohio’s elections by updating our registration system and early voting procedures. In the process, Ohio will create a more secure and reliable election system, ensuring all eligible Ohioans can access the ballot—the essence of our democracy. These efforts will bolster election security by constantly ensuring our voter registration rolls are accurate and up-to-date. The proposed constitutional amendment will additionally implement election day registration, ensuring eligible voters can register to vote on the same day they cast their ballot. Election Day registration systems have already been established in 21 states and the District of Columbia.

“We must ensure the voices of all Ohioans are heard through our elections,” said Trent Dougherty, general counsel for the OEC. “Ohioans overwhelmingly want clean air, healthy public lands, safe drinking water and bold action on climate change. Our legislature should reflect the will of the people. We believe that when more people vote, our environment and our communities win.”

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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is the state’s most comprehensive, effective and respected environmental advocate for a healthier, more sustainable Ohio. The OEC develops and ensures the implementation of forward-thinking, science-based, pragmatic solutions to secure healthy air, land and water for all who call Ohio home. Learn more at www.theoec.org.