Ohio's mechanism for maintaining the sanctity of its elections is significantly lacking, according to Secretary of State Frank LaRose. LaRose pointed out a staggering sum of almost $100 million in uncollected fines, a symptom of a system needing a serious overhaul. The fines, imposed but not enforced, are tied to election law violations, and their collection remains uncertain. In his call for an empowered Ohio Elections Commission (OEC), LaRose has emphasized legislative reform without mincing words.
Secretary LaRose explained that "the commission has become an increasingly toothless and inconsistent shell of what it was intended to be," in a statement obtained by the Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office. He expressed deep concern over the ineffectiveness of the current system, indicating that the OEC’s inability to collect penalties effectively nullifies the purpose of the election law itself. To swiftly respond to election violations, LaRose has outlined a series of revisions. He expects the legislative amendments to significantly enhance the commission's oversight and authority while the Ohio Senate deliberates on the state’s biennial operating budget.
Among the issues raised by LaRose is the notable inaction on significant referrals from his office, including those related to the House Bill 6 corruption scandal from 2021. Despite the Secretary's open disapproval of proposals to terminate the OEC, he believes that without strengthening the commission's powers, it is essentially rendered ineffective. The Secretary’s proposal aims to ensure that laws are respected and that those who step out of line face the consequences.
LaRose, who is not in favor of abolishing the commission, clearly argues for a reimagining of its structure and capabilities. "There is no reason to have campaign finance laws in Ohio if we cannot meaningfully enforce them, yet that is precisely where the commission has left us," he stated in comments sourced from the Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office. The suggested changes put forth by LaRose are designed to tightly close up loopholes that have allowed fines to go uncollected, thus reaffirming the rule of law within Ohio's electoral process. The General Assembly has already received a proposal from LaRose earlier this year, laying out the desired modifications to the commission's framework.
Ohioans are watching and waiting to see if the General Assembly and Senate President Rob McColley will act on the Secretary's recommendations. The changes could lead to a revitalized, more effective OEC, reaffirming the state's commitment to upholding the integrity of its elections. For more details on Secretary LaRose's letter and proposed changes, visit the Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose's official website at this link.
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