Ohio voters would no longer be able to switch political parties within 30 days of a primary election under a legislator’s proposal meant to thwart “shenanigans.”
Under current law, Ohioans don’t formally register with a political party and the majority of voters consider themselves as independents. But when they choose a primary ballot, they are automatically affiliated with a party unless they select issues only.
Rep. John Becker, a Southwest Ohio Republican, introduced legislation this week that would allow voters to select a party affiliation when they register to vote or update their registration. And they still could change parties outside of that 30-day window.
Major and minor parties in Ohio would not be allowed to register new members within 30 days of the primary election, either.
“Back in 2008 you had Rush Limbaugh and Operation Chaos and it was chaos,” Becker said. “In Clermont County, where I’m from, the board of elections ran out of Democratic ballots.”
Becker was referring to an effort in which Limbaugh, a nationally syndicated radio host, urged Republicans to vote for Hillary Clinton, who was challenging Barack Obama in the Democratic primary.
Even if the bill were approved quickly, Becker’s proposal would not affect the primary elections this year. If it becomes law, Ohio would be the 12th state to have similar safeguards, he said.
Click here to read more of this story.
About Marion Online News
