Federal Judge Overturns Ohio Law Restricting Voting Aid for Disabled Voters

The court ruled that the law violated the Voting Rights Act by limiting assistance for absentee ballots to close family members.

The 2023 Ohio law made it a felony for non-family members to assist disabled voters with absentee ballots.
Voting rights groups argued the law excluded essential helpers like caregivers and roommates.
The ruling emphasized that disabled voters can choose their preferred person for voting assistance.
The lawsuit was filed by the League of Women Voters of Ohio and voter Jennifer Kucera, represented by the ACLU.
Parts of the law unrelated to absentee voting assistance, such as voter ID requirements, remain in effect.