Ohio Statute Blocked

Thank goodness the courts are halting the Ohio statue allowing on-the-spot voter challenges.

Two federal judges on Monday barred political parties' challengers from polling places throughout Ohio. State Republicans planned to appeal.

An order by U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott of Cincinnati found that the application of Ohio's statute allowing challengers at polling places was unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge John Adams of Akron said poll workers are the ones to determine if voters are eligible.

"In light of these extraordinary circumstances, and the contentious nature of the imminent election, the court cannot and must not turn a blind eye to the substantial likelihood that significant harm will result not only to voters, but also to the voting process itself, if appointed challengers are permitted at the polls," Adams said.

Dlott said the presence of challengers inexperienced in the electoral process questioning voters about their eligibility would impede voting.