Many state lawmakers across the country have turned their attention to voting and election-related legislation, with the aim of building greater trust, transparency and accountability in our elections. Yet many states have proposed and passed policies that would severely limit access to the polls. In fact, this session, there have been nearly 500 bills considered in 47 states that would create significant barriers to voting for millions of voters.

Those voters most impacted by the onslaught of restrictive election-related legislation currently moving across the country are often the voters who comprise our country’s most underserved and historically oppressed communities — notably our rural citizens.

This report provides a glimpse into the demographics and voting patterns of Ohio’s rural counties, and recommends policies to further expand access to all voters.

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Secure Democracy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to improve election integrity across the United States. They educate policymakers and the public about what it takes to safeguard our voting system, and collaborate with state leaders, election administrators, election integrity experts, and allies to ensure that all eligible citizens have the freedom to vote how they choose, of justice, equality and the common good. Online at secure-democracy.org.