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Courts Allow Registering, Voting On Same Day 09-30-2008

Two courts ruled in favor of the Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner considering absentee ballot lawsuits.

Between September 30th and October 6th, voters may register and vote an absentee ballot at the same time.

The ACLU supported that position, as did local election boards who are allowing the procedure.

Republicans, however, said that Ohio law requires at least 30 days between registering and voting.

The Courts agreed with the ACLU and Brunner.

In a 4-3 ruling, the Supreme Court said that Brunner had correctly instructed the Board of Elections.

US District Court Judge James S. Gwin originally issued a temporary restraining order to the Madison County Board of Elections to disregard those instructions but District Court Judge George C. Smith threw the case out but did agree to having observers present to protect voters.

Of course, the issue is not over; the Republicans have said they will appeal.

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