CINCINNATI (AP) — A federal lawsuit by several community groups alleges Ohio wrongly denies voting rights for people arrested the weekend before Election Day.
The lawsuit filed Monday charges that Ohio makes it impossible for people to vote if they're arrested that weekend and detained through Election Day. The Ohio Justice and Policy Center, representing the groups, says the lawsuit against Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted (HYOO'-sted) and others was filed because those arrested after the deadline for requesting absentee ballots have no way to vote.
The lawsuit says the alleged disenfranchisement violates the Voting Rights Act and Ohioans' constitutional rights to equal protection and due process. The groups want the state ordered to provide a means for those voters to cast ballots.
Husted's office says it is reviewing the lawsuit.
