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Justices Won't Force Ohio to Check Voter Registrations

Ruling is blow to state Republican party

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 17, 2008 1:42 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Supreme Court ruled today that Ohio does not have to verify hundreds of thousands of new voter registrations, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. The court did not assess the Ohio Republic Party’s claim that registration needs cross-checks to prevent fraud, but rather ruled that the party did not have the standing to challenge Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner on the matter.

Brunner said she worried cross-checking voter registration could lead to the de facto disenfranchisement of legitimate voters, since registrations containing even minor errors would be issued provisional ballots, which are more likely to be disqualified. Ohio’s GOP chairman was quick to point out that the court ruled on “a technicality, not on the merits of the case.”

Republicans worried about fraudulent registration tried to force Ohio officials to verify the identities of new voters; the Supreme Court ruled the state GOP didn't have the standing for a challenge.
Republicans worried about fraudulent registration tried to force Ohio officials to verify the identities of new voters; the Supreme Court ruled the state GOP didn't have the standing for a challenge.   (AP Photo)
Chief Justice John Roberts and his Supreme Court colleagues issued an unsigned opinion today.
Chief Justice John Roberts and his Supreme Court colleagues issued an unsigned opinion today.   (AP Photo)
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The justices did not disagree with our argument that Jennifer Brunner has failed to
comply with federal election law. They said we don't have a right to bring a private challenge against her under this particular provision.
- Bob Bennett, Ohio GOP Chairman

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