LWV Of Kent

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A federal court has struck down restrictions in Ohio’s House Bill 458 that made it a crime for all but a handful of family members to assist voters with disabilities in casting absentee ballots. 

This story was originally published in the Ohio Capital Journal on June 7, 2024.

Twenty years ago, Kelly McFarland Stratman was among the Ohioans working on reform to the state’s redistricting process as a member of the League of Women Voters. Now she’s the co-CEO of the national group.

“The mission of the league could not be more critical or more needed,” she told the Capital Journal in an interview amid a return visit to the state that started it all for her. “Our democracy is a gift and it is something that is fragile, and it requires care and attention.”
 

Voting is a fundamental right. Yet voters with disabilities face persistent barriers to casting a ballot.

Fortunately, these barriers can be challenged under Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), which requires that states allow people with disabilities to receive assistance in the voting process. 

This press release was originally published by Ohio Wesleyan University.

Kelly McFarland Stratman, chief of staff and interim co-CEO for the Washington, D.C.-based League of Women Voters of the United States, will provide the keynote address May 11 at Ohio Wesleyan University's 180th commencement ceremony.

This story was originally published in The Miami Student

For Oxford’s chapter of the League of Women Voters (LWV), the weeks leading up to Ohio’s primary on March 19, have been busy.

“One of the primary things that we do for any election is educate voters,” Kathie Brinkman, the communications director for Oxford’s chapter, said. 

This story was originally published by Ideastream Public Media.

Jen Miller, the executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio joined Ideastream Public Media’s, “Sound of Ideas” show this week to answer questions from voters.