Bipartisan leaders highlight Ohio’s strong and secure electoral system
On Wednesday, members of the Democracy Defense Project’s (DDP) Board of Directors, former Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell (R) and former Ohio Congressman Zack Space (D), joined the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) Dr. Richard Harknett for a special Digital Futures Flashpoint conversation focused on the challenges facing election security in today’s polarized political climate.
Reacting in part to polling recently released by DDP that indicates an overwhelming majority of Ohioans have confidence in their own state’s elections but are concerned voting irregularities across the country could endanger the legitimate election and certification of the next President, Dr. Harknett sought to explore these findings with panelists. “We’re pleased to bring together the experience, wisdom and forward-leaning nature of what Ken and Zack are doing with the Democracy Defense Project and explore why there is a need to defend the democratic elections process today.”
Over the course of the one-hour discussion held before an audience of UC faculty, students and staff, as well as other community leaders, DDP panelists emphasized the need for bipartisan voices to reinforce the strength of our electoral system, which is supported by the many protections in place that keep our elections secure.
"Democrats and Republicans like Zack and I can bump heads on public policy, but we should all understand and agree on the strength of the elections system we have here in Ohio,” said Blackwell. “We need to turn up the volume to help people believe their vote does matter. We can detect flaws in the system and fix flaws in the system. That's something we do well in Ohio.”
Space added, "Ken and I might disagree about certain laws or legal challenges that may flare up after the election, but here’s what we agree on: the peaceful transfer of power. When it’s all said and done, we move on. Once votes have been cast and counted, there’s no one who can legitimately question the truth of the election.”
The Democracy Defense Project is a bipartisan organization working to defend the transparency, safety, security and validity of the elections system. The organization’s bipartisan board members are spearheading initiatives in Ohio and other key battleground states to preserve election integrity, foster greater confidence in election results and improve voter participation.
A video recording of this Flashpoint conversation will be posted to the UC Digital Futures YouTube page.
More information on the Democracy Defense Project can be found at DemocracyDefenseProject.org/OH.
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