Kearney sleeps out for early voting | Events

CINCINNATI (FOX19) - Senator Eric H. Kearney (D - North Avondale) plans to raise awareness for early voting by spending the night outside the Hamilton County Board of Elections Downtown beginning at 9:00 p.m. Monday. It's the second year in a row for "Sleep Out the Vote". 

“In light of the signatures for HB 194 being submitted to the Secretary of State for referendum approval, I think that is important this year to continue my campaign to encourage Ohioans to vote early,” Kearney said. 

Kearney says there are many benefits to early and absentee voting for those who work during the day, are immobilized, or attend school outside of their district, and that taking advantage of the early voting process can decrease the wait time often associated with the lines on Election Day. 

“HB 194 disenfranchises thousands of Ohio voters and this is our opportunity to show that we will not allow it to happen without a fight,” said Senator Kearney. 

Proponents of HB 194 say it eliminates a period where it is possible for a person to register and then vote early before any objection can be raised to that person's residence or other voting eligibility requirements. 

Last year's "Sleep Out" gained at least a couple dozen campers, along with others who attended by didn't stay all night. 

Early voting begins Tuesday October 4, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. and will continue until Monday November 7, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.   Voters must apply in writing for absentee ballots. Requests should be sent to the board of elections of the county in which the voter resides no later than noon on November 5, 2011. 

Senator Eric H. Kearney represents parts of Cincinnati, St. Bernard, Elmwood Place, Cleves, Cheviot, Norwood, Golf Manor, Columbia Township, Deer Park, Silverton, Springfield Township, North Bend and Addyston.

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