The Ohio Senate is about to vote today on a bill that would eliminate the right of citizens of Ohio or candidates to contest an election for federal office. The bill is called HB 3, has been passed by the Ohio House, and is about to be voted on in the Senate. A list of Ohio state Senators to contact here, at the bottom of the post.
Follow the flip.
In case the you just don't buy the idea that any state legislature could eliminate contests of elections for the U.S. House, the U.S. Senate, and the Presidency, see
here the testimony of Daniel Tokaji, assistant professor of law at OSU. From page four of the pdf:
The other provision eliminates Ohio's contest for all federal elections, inclusing both presidential and congressional contests. Sub HB 3 provides that such contests "shall be conducted with the applicable provisions of federal law."
It is not clear what law this is referring to, as there is no analogous federal statute providing for contests. Perhaps "federal law" refers to the timetable for electoral ballot counting. Yet federal law contains no contest provision, but instead requires Congress to defer to the states, in cases where there's been a "final determination" of any election contests or controversies by the safe harbor date.
It is highly likely the bill will pass, but make your voice heard. Lay the groundwork for eventual reversal of this travesty, and contact Ohio state senators!