This week the Ohio General Assembly rushed two proposals through the G.A. with little opportunity for feedback or discussion and further erode trust in our election integrity to generate an accurate representation of our community priorities.

 

Matthew 25 calls on us to care and give dignity to those the world calls the least of these. We are called to love our neighbor and what better way to love somebody than to listen to them. As a society we listen to one another through fair and accurate elections.

 

In our American society, we give honor and dignity to our neighbor by listening and valuing every citizen's right to vote.

 

The legislation passed to increase photo ID requirements in Ohio (Voters are already required to present a photo ID when voting) will do little to counter fraud, but will dramatically increase bureaucracy and continue to play on racial and economic stereotypes in society.

 

Elections are only effective when voters have faith that it is trusted process that results the views of the community being reflected. Even when we are disappointed with the outcomes, we can move forward as neighbors. Rushing proposals through in a partisan manner that may disenfranchise already marginalized Ohioans does not reflect the ideals we all strive for as Americans.