Protecting Vulnerable Voters – Ohio

It is important to ensure that the votes of vulnerable citizens are protected and counted fairly. Here are a few key points from the Center for Vulnerable Voters Senior Citizen Voting Bill of Rights that outline what Ohio’s vulnerable voters can and should expect from our election systems.

• The right to vote OR not to vote. The choice is the residents and the residents alone.
• The right to refuse assistance from person/s they do not want help from. Many political operatives are active in senior communities and have been known to manipulate or change votes.
• The right to privacy. No one should be asking residents about their personal voting preferences or making a recommendation. Voting is strictly confidential.
• The right to redress if the resident feels their rights have been violated. Reports should be made to the local election authority.
• The resident has a right to request candidates from all political parties visit their community to hear their concerns and for candidates to explain their policy positions.

A resident has the right to participate as much or as little as they want to in the election process, and they should be protected from those who may wish to suppress their free choices.

A helpful legal guide can be requested (at no cost) by emailing Laura.Williams@centerforvulnerablevoters.org. Additional training materials are available at www.centerforvulnerablevoters.org

Disclaimer: This information is being provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. You should always consult an attorney before taking action to ensure that recent changes in law have not altered your obligations.