UPDATE – DeWine says state will close polls as a health emergency.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine says Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton will issue an emergency order to close the polls after a judge ruled against his request to move Ohio’s election to June.
“During this time when we face an unprecedented public health crisis, to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers and voters to place themselves at an unacceptable health risk of contracting coronavirus. As such, Health Director Dr. Amy Acton will order the polls closed as a health emergency. While the polls will be closed tomorrow, Secretary of State Frank LaRose will seek a remedy through the courts to extend voting options so that every voter who wants to vote will be granted that opportunity.”
BREAKING – A judge has ruled that Ohio’s primary election for Tuesday, March 17 must go on as scheduled. Governor DeWine is appealing. We will update you on whether or not to head to the polls when a decision is made.
Election moved to June 2 & more businesses ordered to shut as COVID-19 cases jump to 50.
Ohio is shutting down more businesses and wants to move the election to June 2 as the number of COVID-19 cases in the state jumps.
Governor Mike DeWine is requesting that Ohio’s March 17 election be moved to June 2 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Voters will be able to vote by mail until then and in-person on June 2.
DeWine said, “Voters should not be forced to make a choice between their constitutional rights and their health.” Because of Ohio law, he said the state will have to file a lawsuit to make the change.
Lt. Governor Jon Husted said he was also concerned for the health and safety of poll workers. “By extending the voting period, everyone will have a chance to vote by mail so they won’t have to come in contact with another person.
Fitness centers, gyms, bowling alleys, public recreation centers, movie theaters, indoor water parks, indoor trampoline parks will also be closed as of the end of business on Monday in order to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Ohio will also change its order banning mass gatherings of 100 or more to 50 to comply with CDC recommendations to limit crowds to 50.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ohio has spiked to 50. So far, the majority of cases have been in Cuyahoga County where there are 24 confirmed positives. Ohio Department of Health head, Dr. Amy Acton, said that the victims ranged in age from 14 to 86. She said, so far, testing has centered around the Three C’s of Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati and that many more positive tests should be expected soon. “We’re in full-court press mode,” Dr. Acton said. She emphasized that the elderly must avoid any unnecessary contact with people and told Ohioans they must step up to help the at-risk population.
Lt. Governor Husted also revealed that unemployment claims in Ohio had jumped from just over 500 last week to 12,000 as businesses are shut down due to the virus.