PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: André Washington
awashington@oapse.org

The A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) calls on the Ohio Secretary of State to
make changes to ensure a safe and healthy election.
Columbus, Ohio July 15, 2020 - Because the COVID-19 pandemic has raised
major concerns with the process by which the November 2020 General Election
will be conducted here in Ohio the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) of Ohio, the
leading African American labor organization for social, labor and economic
change recommends the following changes:
1. Place secure drop-off boxes for Early Vote applications and ballots at a
variety of locations throughout each of Ohio’s 88 counties. Ideal locations
would be libraries and other community-serving government office
locations. This would add convenience to voters and reduce delays and the
risks of mishaps in the postage system as seen in the March 2020 Primary
Election.
2. Provide more in-person Early Vote locations in the state’s largest counties
such as Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, Montgomery and
Summit. Again this would happen by utilizing libraries or other already
identified polling locations thereby reducing long lines and allowing social
distancing that offers protection to voters and election staff.