In light of warnings from USPS, LaRose urges voters to act fast for mail-in ballots

COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and a bipartisan group of secretaries of state have requested a meeting with the Postmaster General Louis DeJoy after concerns of postal delays may impact the 2020 election.

“The ask is going to be very clear, any kind of changes they are doing can’t impact the election,” said LaRose.

LaRose explained that he is concerned about changes slowing down absentee by-mail voting, especially with a record number of Ohioans expected to participate.

“Any delay, any service impact by the postal service is of course going to have an impact on elections,” said LaRose.

With this looming problem, some lawmakers are calling for LaRose to allow county boards to install more ballot drop boxes.

“This is the most common sense, easiest way to help people vote in a global pandemic,” said Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland).

LaRose explained that is a decision for the General Assembly, not his office.

“I can’t do things that I’m not allowed to do under law whether I like them or not,” he said. “So would I like to expand drop boxes in the state of Ohio? Absolutely. Can’t do it without legislative permission.”

With the future of the Postal Service being unknown, LaRose urges all Ohio voters to act quickly and not procrastinate. He stressed absentee by mail in is still a viable option to vote for Ohioans.

“Whether mail moves a little bit slower or not, if it takes a few extra days for delivery to happen, that shouldn’t impact the confidence that Ohioans have,” said LaRose.

To register to receive a mail-in ballot, click here. Registration is open now, and the deadline to submit a ballot request is three days before the November 3 election.