Supreme Court blocks early voting in Ohio

These guys again: Roberts, Scalia, Alito, Thomas, Kennedy.

These guys again: Roberts, Scalia, Alito, Thomas, Kennedy.

The usual suspects on the Supreme Court have blocked the beginning of early voting in Ohio, putting a hold on a district judge's ruling protecting early voting. Crucially at issue are the "Golden Week," during which people can register and vote on the same day, and Sunday voting.

Whatever the Supreme Court finally does, the hold announced today will do away with the Golden Week:

The order will remain in effect until the Court acts on an appeal by state officials. If that is denied, then the order lapses.  It is unclear when that scenario will unfold. The state’s petition has not yet been filed formally.

The practical effect of the order will mean at least early voting will not be allowed this week — a period that supporters of early balloting have called “Golden Week.” That permits voters to register and cast their ballots on the same day.

Depending upon the timing of the state’s filing of a petition for review, Monday’s order may also mean that early voting will not be permitted on most Sundays between now and election day, November 5 [sic: actually November 4], and will not be permitted in evening hours — that is, after 5 p.m.

These restrictions, of course, make it more difficult for low-income and black people to vote, which is why Ohio Republicans like Secretary of State Jon Husted want them. These Republicans know they'll do better if they make it harder for people not like them to vote.

There is a better option. Please give $3 to help elect Nina Turner, the Democratic candidate for Ohio secretary of state.