Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Blackwell statement on challengers
The Enquirer
In a statement issued to the media prior to the Sixth Circuit's overturning of Monday's earlier ruling, Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell said he has worked to defend Ohioan's right to vote and calls on voters to go to the polls. Blackwell urged voters who encounter problems at the polls to contact him directly through a designated e-mail address.
STATEMENT BY OHIO SECRETARY OF STATE J. KENNETH BLACKWELL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, November 1, 2004
COLUMBUS - Following is a statement delivered by Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell on the eve of the November 2 General Election.
"In the last few hours state and federal courts have continued to debate the rules for tomorrow's election. My top priority from the beginning has been to protect your right to vote, protect the integrity of Ohio's proven election system, and to minimize disruption at our voting locations tomorrow. We have a long history in Ohio of conducting orderly elections where all registered voters are encouraged and able to exercise their vote. We will continue this fine tradition tomorrow, but to do this I will need your help.
"Over the last 60 days I have defended your rights as Ohioans to exercise your right to vote and your right to privacy in the voting booth in over 23 different state and federal lawsuits. As many of you have probably heard, at this very hour, we have thousands of out-of-state lawyers, law students and news media descending on our state. We have not asked for their help, nor do we need it, but we will welcome them and treat them with the respect that comes natural to Ohioans, as long as they follow our laws and do not disrupt our election process.
"To ensure we have an orderly election where every registered voter can turn their ballot into a vote, I need your help. First, please vote in your precinct. If you don't know your precinct, call your county Board of Elections. Second, I want to appeal to you to head to the polls tomorrow with an extra measure of patience and civility. Third, if you personally experience any disruption or intimidation during the voting process tomorrow, I WANT TO KNOW. Please write down the specifics - the names or descriptions of anyone involved, the exact time and place, and the circumstances - and e-mail me at votingrights@sos.state.oh.us.
"Working together with the 50,000 poll workers who will be there to assist you tomorrow, we will have a great election and together ensure that Ohioans alone decide the election outcomes and not any political parties, lawyers, or judges. Make your vote count Ohio. See you at the polls."
ELECTION 2004
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Election 2004 section
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Enquirer's 2004 election guide
Even rules go down to wire
Blackwell statement on challengers
Registered, but not voting?
What to watch for, hour by hour
Here's what is at stake at polls today
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GALLERY: Monday's political photos
In Ohio, it's fight to the finish
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Election essentials: Ohio
In Kentucky, a last burst of energy
• Election essentials: Kentucky
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