Ohio's New Election Watchdog: What's Changing and Why It Matters

Starting January 1, Ohio welcomes a new team to oversee campaign finances and election regulations.

The Shift

• New Commission: The Ohio Election Integrity Commission replaces the Ohio Elections Commission.
• Reason for Change: Republicans argue the old commission was too slow to enforce rules.

Key Changes

• Composition:
• Old Commission: 7 members (mix of Republicans, Democrats, and an independent).
• New Commission: 5 members, led by the Secretary of State.
• New Powers: The commission can suggest fines and recommend criminal charges for violations like fake signatures or double voting.

Leadership

• Initial Leader: Retired Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O'Donnell (first 3 months).
• Next Leader: D. Michael Crites (ex-U.S. attorney and former chair of the old commission).
• Democratic Picks: John Lyall and Eben "Sandy" McNair IV.
• Republican Picks: Karl Kerschner (current member) and one open spot.

Controversy

• Republican Stance: Believe the new setup will be more effective.
• Democratic Concerns: Fear it concentrates too much power in the Secretary of State's hands.