Jo Ingles (Ohio Public Radio)

In 2008, 93,000 Ohioans voted in person at boards of elections on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before the election.  But this year, that won’t be an option, unless a court rules otherwise. 

There’s a controversy over extended in person early voting hours in Ohio. Democrats are crying foul because some Republican leaning counties have put in place evening and weekend hours while other counties with more Democratic leanings are offering early in person voting only during normal business hours.

Now that backers of a proposed constitutional amendment to change the redistricting process have enough valid signatures to put the issue on the statewide ballot, attention turns to how to sell it to voters.  The supporters of the plan already have their mantra…..people not politicians.  But now opponents of the plan have a mantra of their own…..protect your vote.  Jenny Camper is with a group that plans to fight the proposed redistricting plan. 

About 600 backers of President Obama gathered at a union hall in downtown Columbus yesterday to hear Vice President Joe Biden explain Ohio is adding manufacturing jobs now because of President Obama’s bold decision to bail out the American auto industry. Biden said the President has bet on Ohio and America and says it’s paying off with gains in manufacturing jobs. But when comes to betting on America, Biden said it’s fair to question Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s record at his financial firm, Bain Capital.

Democrats, along with President Obama’s re-election campaign, have filed a federal lawsuit against Ohio to try to reinstate the three days of early in person voting before Election day.

In 2008, 93 thousand Ohioans voted in Ohio in the three days before the election.  Since then, Republican lawmakers have wiped out the 3 day window for most Ohioans. Only military members and their families can now take advantage of that opportunity.  Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern says that’s not right.