Strickland Votes Early in Lisbon - Cincinnati Enquirer

[VolcanoJen]

That's one way to get around Blackwell's challenge to Ted's residency. :-)

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061021/NEWS01/610210367

Excerpt:

Democratic governor candidate Ted Strickland voted Friday, taking advantage of a new early voting rule and trying to avert a controversy over his residency that might have prevented his casting a ballot.

Campaign spokesman Keith Dailey said Strickland, a U.S. congressman, entered the county elections board in Lisbon just before 9 a.m. and "was welcomed with open arms" in the same office that received a challenge to his residency. Dailey said it is safe to assume the Democratic gubernatorial nominee voted for himself.

A constituent, Jacquelyn Long, has alleged that Strickland does not actually live at an address in Lisbon, a northeast Ohio city in Strickland's district, where he is registered to vote. Her complaint claims that Strickland has declared permanent residency for tax purposes at a condominium in Columbus.

Strickland argues that the apartment is a legitimate residence, where he periodically stays, pays rent and utilities, and keeps belongings. Dailey said there is no provision in Ohio law that requires a person to file taxes from the same address where he votes.

A tie vote by the Columbiana County Elections Board on the matter put the issue before the office of Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, Strickland's Republican opponent for governor. Blackwell's office punted the issue back to the local board for investigation, where the case has been pending since Tuesday.

[Kukesa]

1. Yeah, but will his vote be counted?

According to the "Dayton Daily News" (and the last paragraph of your post) there'll be a Columbiana County BOE hearing this Tuesday to decide. Strickland says he'll sue to stop the hearing.

Guess whose office gets to decide? You got it -- Blackwell's.

Is Ohio becoming a banana republic? Sheesh.


Link here:

http://tinyurl.com/yec4u3