Ohio Department of Health Orders Primary Polls Closed Despite Judge Ruling

Source: Radio One Digital / Radio One Digital

In the eleventh hour on Monday night, Gov. Mike DeWine took to Twitter to report Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton has ordered the Democratic primary polls closed for in-person voting on Tuesday March 17th as a part of a health emergency.

This ruling comes contrary to Judge Richard Frye ruling against Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine’s request Monday to delay Tuesday’s primary until June due to coronavirus concerns.

Story developing.

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Here is the three-page order signed tonight by @OHdeptofhealth Director @DrAmyActon that closes all polling locations in #Ohio due to the risk of #COVID19 faced by both voters and poll workers. #COVID19OhioReady pic.twitter.com/XRd4zJH4so
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 17, 2020

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During this time when we face an unprecedented public health crisis, to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers and voters to place themselves at an unacceptable health risk of contracting coronavirus.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 17, 2020

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As such, @DrAmyActon will order the polls closed as a health emergency. While the polls will be closed tomorrow, Secretary of State @FrankLaRose will seek a remedy through the courts to extend voting options so that every voter who wants to vote will be granted that opportunity.
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 17, 2020

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Joint Statement from Governor DeWine and Secretary of State @FrankLaRose:

The only thing more important than a free and fair election is the health and safety of Ohioans. 1/5
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 17, 2020

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@OHdeptofhealth and @CDCgov have advised against anyone gathering in groups larger than 50 people, which will occur if the election goes forward. 2/5
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 17, 2020

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Additionally, Ohioans over 65 and those with certain health conditions have been advised to limit their nonessential contact with others, affecting their ability to vote or serve as poll workers. 3/5
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 17, 2020

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Logistically, under these extraordinary circumstances, it simply isn’t possible to hold an election tomorrow that will be considered legitimate by Ohioans. 4/5
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 17, 2020

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They mustn’t be forced to choose between their health and exercising their constitutional rights. 5/5#COVID19 #COVID19OhioReady
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 17, 2020

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A joint statement from @GovMikeDeWine and me. More to come... pic.twitter.com/AKBPxCTJcf
— Frank LaRose (@FrankLaRose) March 17, 2020

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Together with @GovMikeDeWine, @LtGovHusted, and @DrAmyActon, we had to make some tough decisions.

I talked to @NewDay about why Ohioans aren’t voting today and how we’re working to make sure they have their voice heard in a fair and safe election. pic.twitter.com/e0yuCnX8kO
— Frank LaRose (@FrankLaRose) March 17, 2020

Ohio Department of Health Orders Primary Polls Closed Despite Judge’s Ruling

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