Commentary

AFL-CIO Calls on Clear Channel to Take Down Voter Suppression Billboards in Ohio


OHIO–(ENEWSPF)–October 12, 2012.

Statement from AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker and Ohio AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Pierrette “Petee” Talley:

“Every election year we see offensive, underhanded tactics by groups who don’t want everyone to have access to the voting booth.  This year, intimidating billboards that point out voter fraud are appearing in predominantly African American communities in Ohio, despite little to no evidence that voter fraud exists.  These tactics come on the heels of  other efforts, led by Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted and Attorney General Mike DeWine, to eliminate early voting in Ohio, despite acknowledgment by Ohio’s courts that “early voters have disproportionately lower incomes and less education than election day voters.”  This type of election bullying should not stand in the world’s greatest democracy.  Protecting the integrity of our elections means ensuring that all voters are provided equal access to the ballot whether black, white, or brown, young or old, rich or poor. 

“We urge Clear Channel to remove these billboards and replace them with information that will help voters exercise their fundamental right to vote in this year’s critical election.” 

Source: aflcio.org


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