Common Cause Ohio
@commoncauseohio.bsky.social
Ordinary Ohioans working together to build a democracy that works for all of us.
Opinion
When the United States enacts policies that tear children away from caregivers, requires people to live in limbo or detains parents indefinitely, the psychological harms are predictable and profound.
by Chuck Junkin
www.dispatch.com/story/opinio...
When the United States enacts policies that tear children away from caregivers, requires people to live in limbo or detains parents indefinitely, the psychological harms are predictable and profound.
by Chuck Junkin
www.dispatch.com/story/opinio...
My clients are terrified.
What I hear should alarm you | Opinion
Students should not feel like outsiders in their own classrooms. Workers shouldn’t be made to feel expendable because of who they are.
www.dispatch.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:49 AM
Opinion
When the United States enacts policies that tear children away from caregivers, requires people to live in limbo or detains parents indefinitely, the psychological harms are predictable and profound.
by Chuck Junkin
www.dispatch.com/story/opinio...
When the United States enacts policies that tear children away from caregivers, requires people to live in limbo or detains parents indefinitely, the psychological harms are predictable and profound.
by Chuck Junkin
www.dispatch.com/story/opinio...
Ex-Ohio Speaker Larry Householder open to plea deal to avoid state corruption trial, say attorneys
by Morgan Trau
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/30/e...
by Morgan Trau
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/30/e...
Ex-Ohio Speaker Larry Householder open to plea deal to avoid state corruption trial, say attorneys • Ohio Capital Journal
The attorneys for former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder are open to taking a plea deal to avoid his state corruption trial in Cuyahoga County this summer.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:36 AM
Ex-Ohio Speaker Larry Householder open to plea deal to avoid state corruption trial, say attorneys
by Morgan Trau
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/30/e...
by Morgan Trau
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/30/e...
News outlets sue over media restrictions in trial of former FirstEnergy execs
by Jessie Balmert
www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/c...
by Jessie Balmert
www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/c...
News outlets sue over media restrictions in trial of former FirstEnergy execs
Akron Beacon Journal, Columbus Dispatch and Cincinnati Enquirer are suing over restrictions on coverage of the trial of former FirstEnergy executives.
www.beaconjournal.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:06 PM
News outlets sue over media restrictions in trial of former FirstEnergy execs
by Jessie Balmert
www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/c...
by Jessie Balmert
www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/c...
Ohio, Springfield officials prepare for possible ICE surge
by Sarah Donaldson
www.wvxu.org/2026-01-28/o...
by Sarah Donaldson
www.wvxu.org/2026-01-28/o...
Ohio, Springfield officials prepare for possible ICE surge
Hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in Ohio and the U.S. are set to lose their legal status Tuesday, absent further court action.
www.wvxu.org
January 29, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Ohio, Springfield officials prepare for possible ICE surge
by Sarah Donaldson
www.wvxu.org/2026-01-28/o...
by Sarah Donaldson
www.wvxu.org/2026-01-28/o...
Toledo Blade Editorial
As explained by the Ohio Assoc. of Election Officials, the recently passed S.B. 293 will create headaches for election workers and voters alike.
Elections workers will do their best in adjusting to new rules that did not need to be created.
www.toledoblade.com/opinion/edit...
As explained by the Ohio Assoc. of Election Officials, the recently passed S.B. 293 will create headaches for election workers and voters alike.
Elections workers will do their best in adjusting to new rules that did not need to be created.
www.toledoblade.com/opinion/edit...
Editorial: New voting rule creates challenge
As explained by the new president of the Ohio Association of Election Officials, the recently passed S.B. 293 will create headaches for election workers ...
www.toledoblade.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:19 PM
Toledo Blade Editorial
As explained by the Ohio Assoc. of Election Officials, the recently passed S.B. 293 will create headaches for election workers and voters alike.
Elections workers will do their best in adjusting to new rules that did not need to be created.
www.toledoblade.com/opinion/edit...
As explained by the Ohio Assoc. of Election Officials, the recently passed S.B. 293 will create headaches for election workers and voters alike.
Elections workers will do their best in adjusting to new rules that did not need to be created.
www.toledoblade.com/opinion/edit...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The trial against two former FirstEnergy executives who are accused of masterminding the largest public corruption scheme in Ohio history has begun, as jury selection took place Tuesday in Summit County.
by Morgan Trau
www.news5cleveland.com/news/politic...
by Morgan Trau
www.news5cleveland.com/news/politic...
FirstEnergy public corruption trial begins
The trial against two former FirstEnergy executives who are accused of masterminding the largest public corruption scheme in Ohio history has begun, as jury selection took place Tuesday.
www.news5cleveland.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:59 AM
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The trial against two former FirstEnergy executives who are accused of masterminding the largest public corruption scheme in Ohio history has begun, as jury selection took place Tuesday in Summit County.
by Morgan Trau
www.news5cleveland.com/news/politic...
by Morgan Trau
www.news5cleveland.com/news/politic...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio-based legal group says it is time to close a loophole that prevents Americans from suing federal agents for civil rights violations.
by Joe Durbin
abc6onyourside.com/news/local/a...
by Joe Durbin
abc6onyourside.com/news/local/a...
An Ohio group wants to hold ICE agents accountable by closing this federal loophole
An Ohio-based legal group says it is time to close a loophole that prevents Americans from suing federal agents for civil rights violations.The Ohio Justice & P
abc6onyourside.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:56 AM
COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio-based legal group says it is time to close a loophole that prevents Americans from suing federal agents for civil rights violations.
by Joe Durbin
abc6onyourside.com/news/local/a...
by Joe Durbin
abc6onyourside.com/news/local/a...
COLUMBUS — Implementing and enforcing elections law Senate Bill 293 will be challenging for boards of elections across the state, according to Lucas County Board of Elections Director LaVera Scott.
“I believe it’s going to be a challenge for the voters,”
www.toledoblade.com/local/politi...
“I believe it’s going to be a challenge for the voters,”
www.toledoblade.com/local/politi...
New Ohio law will strain boards of elections, Lucas County director says
COLUMBUS — Implementing and enforcing elections law Senate Bill 293 will be challenging for boards of elections across the state, according to Lucas County ...
www.toledoblade.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:30 PM
COLUMBUS — Implementing and enforcing elections law Senate Bill 293 will be challenging for boards of elections across the state, according to Lucas County Board of Elections Director LaVera Scott.
“I believe it’s going to be a challenge for the voters,”
www.toledoblade.com/local/politi...
“I believe it’s going to be a challenge for the voters,”
www.toledoblade.com/local/politi...
For the first time since Ohio’s House Bill 6 scandal broke more than five years ago, former FirstEnergy executives will stand trial on accusations that they carried out what officials have called the largest bribery scheme in Ohio history.
by Adam Ferrise
www.cleveland.com/court-justic...
by Adam Ferrise
www.cleveland.com/court-justic...
Ohio HB6 scandal trial set to begin Tuesday for ex-FirstEnergy executives
Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling are accused of orchestrating a $4.3 million bribe to Ohio's top utility regulator in what officials have called the state's largest corruption scheme.
www.cleveland.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:30 PM
For the first time since Ohio’s House Bill 6 scandal broke more than five years ago, former FirstEnergy executives will stand trial on accusations that they carried out what officials have called the largest bribery scheme in Ohio history.
by Adam Ferrise
www.cleveland.com/court-justic...
by Adam Ferrise
www.cleveland.com/court-justic...
Snow may get in the way but Former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones' and Mike Dowling's trial is scheduled to begin on Monday.
Don't remember all the House Bill 6 details? Check out this timeline
www.commoncause.org/ohio/resourc...
Don't remember all the House Bill 6 details? Check out this timeline
www.commoncause.org/ohio/resourc...
January 26, 2026 at 11:51 AM
Snow may get in the way but Former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones' and Mike Dowling's trial is scheduled to begin on Monday.
Don't remember all the House Bill 6 details? Check out this timeline
www.commoncause.org/ohio/resourc...
Don't remember all the House Bill 6 details? Check out this timeline
www.commoncause.org/ohio/resourc...
The challenges of bringing a ballot initiative to Ohio voters, and why it’s harder than ever
by Susan Tebben
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/26/t...
by Susan Tebben
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/26/t...
The challenges of bringing a ballot initiative to Ohio voters, and why it's harder than ever • Ohio Capital Journal
While redistricting reform might not be on the ballot again this election season, the people who bring about initiatives and constitutional amendments aren’t sitting on their hands.
ohiocapitaljournal.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:31 AM
The challenges of bringing a ballot initiative to Ohio voters, and why it’s harder than ever
by Susan Tebben
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/26/t...
by Susan Tebben
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/26/t...
Letter to the Editor
Cutting early voting wouldn't hurt who you think it would
If we really want everyone to have a voice (and we should), then we should be making it easier to vote, not harder. Early voting facilitates that objective.
Barron K. Henley, Dublin
www.dispatch.com/story/opinio...
Cutting early voting wouldn't hurt who you think it would
If we really want everyone to have a voice (and we should), then we should be making it easier to vote, not harder. Early voting facilitates that objective.
Barron K. Henley, Dublin
www.dispatch.com/story/opinio...
Here's the truth. Cutting early voting would hurt Republicans than Democrats | Letters
Letters: Election Day isn't what he thinks. When the government threatens American citizens. Secure public education.
www.dispatch.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Letter to the Editor
Cutting early voting wouldn't hurt who you think it would
If we really want everyone to have a voice (and we should), then we should be making it easier to vote, not harder. Early voting facilitates that objective.
Barron K. Henley, Dublin
www.dispatch.com/story/opinio...
Cutting early voting wouldn't hurt who you think it would
If we really want everyone to have a voice (and we should), then we should be making it easier to vote, not harder. Early voting facilitates that objective.
Barron K. Henley, Dublin
www.dispatch.com/story/opinio...
Ohio senator faces ethics complaint tied to oil and gas legislation
by Anna Staver
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01...
by Anna Staver
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01...
Ohio senator faces ethics complaint tied to oil and gas legislation
An environmental group says family companies tied to Republican state Sen. Brian Chavez of Marietta stand to gain from oil and gas legislation that Chavez helped pass through the Senate Energy Committ...
www.cleveland.com
January 24, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Ohio senator faces ethics complaint tied to oil and gas legislation
by Anna Staver
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01...
by Anna Staver
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01...
OPINION: Federal agents should not be above the law
When bad cops wear federal badges, victims of their misconduct face a nearly insurmountable legal hurdle.
by W. Charles Curley
www.daytondailynews.com/local/opinio...
When bad cops wear federal badges, victims of their misconduct face a nearly insurmountable legal hurdle.
by W. Charles Curley
www.daytondailynews.com/local/opinio...
OPINION: Federal agents should not be above the law
The streets of the Twin Cities have become the front lines of a crisis. Federal ICE agents have descended upon Minnesota, transforming entire neighborhoods into zones of fear. The reports are harrowin...
www.daytondailynews.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:17 PM
OPINION: Federal agents should not be above the law
When bad cops wear federal badges, victims of their misconduct face a nearly insurmountable legal hurdle.
by W. Charles Curley
www.daytondailynews.com/local/opinio...
When bad cops wear federal badges, victims of their misconduct face a nearly insurmountable legal hurdle.
by W. Charles Curley
www.daytondailynews.com/local/opinio...
COLUMBUS — A sweeping elections bill recently signed into law by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine includes language that violates the National Voter Registration Act, voting rights groups told Ohio Sec. of State Frank LaRose in a letter sent on Thursday
by Danny Eldredge
www.toledoblade.com/local/politi...
by Danny Eldredge
www.toledoblade.com/local/politi...
Voting rights groups threaten lawsuit over new Ohio elections law
COLUMBUS — A sweeping elections bill recently signed into law by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine includes language that violates the National Voter Registration Act, ...
www.toledoblade.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:06 PM
COLUMBUS — A sweeping elections bill recently signed into law by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine includes language that violates the National Voter Registration Act, voting rights groups told Ohio Sec. of State Frank LaRose in a letter sent on Thursday
by Danny Eldredge
www.toledoblade.com/local/politi...
by Danny Eldredge
www.toledoblade.com/local/politi...
We are all living with the consequences of Citizens United v. FEC.
The House Bill 6 scheme would never have worked without dark money groups. Corruption flourishes in the dark.
Let's work together to shine a light on dark money!
The House Bill 6 scheme would never have worked without dark money groups. Corruption flourishes in the dark.
Let's work together to shine a light on dark money!
January 22, 2026 at 3:07 PM
We are all living with the consequences of Citizens United v. FEC.
The House Bill 6 scheme would never have worked without dark money groups. Corruption flourishes in the dark.
Let's work together to shine a light on dark money!
The House Bill 6 scheme would never have worked without dark money groups. Corruption flourishes in the dark.
Let's work together to shine a light on dark money!
Opinion by Ray Marcano
Ohio governor candidates have chance to denounce hate
The candidates won’t agree too much, policy-wise. But they have opportunity to stand together, on the same stage, denounce hate & encourage Ohioans to celebrate a significant moment.
www.daytondailynews.com/local/opinio...
Ohio governor candidates have chance to denounce hate
The candidates won’t agree too much, policy-wise. But they have opportunity to stand together, on the same stage, denounce hate & encourage Ohioans to celebrate a significant moment.
www.daytondailynews.com/local/opinio...
OPINION: Ohio governor candidates have chance to denounce hate
When former Congressman Tim Ryan announced he wouldn’t run for governor in 2026, he (probably unknowingly) set the stage for a historic and fascinating race.
www.daytondailynews.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:02 PM
Opinion by Ray Marcano
Ohio governor candidates have chance to denounce hate
The candidates won’t agree too much, policy-wise. But they have opportunity to stand together, on the same stage, denounce hate & encourage Ohioans to celebrate a significant moment.
www.daytondailynews.com/local/opinio...
Ohio governor candidates have chance to denounce hate
The candidates won’t agree too much, policy-wise. But they have opportunity to stand together, on the same stage, denounce hate & encourage Ohioans to celebrate a significant moment.
www.daytondailynews.com/local/opinio...
Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder seeking presidential pardon from Donald Trump for his federal racketeering conviction.
“It sends the worst message to the public: That it’s legitimate for public office holders to use their position for personal gain”
www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/p...
“It sends the worst message to the public: That it’s legitimate for public office holders to use their position for personal gain”
www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/p...
Pardon my corruption: Could Trump spring disgraced Ohio Speaker?
Larry Householder's friend and lawyer says there are hopeful signs that Trump may soon pardon the disgraced former Ohio speaker of the house.
www.beaconjournal.com
January 22, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder seeking presidential pardon from Donald Trump for his federal racketeering conviction.
“It sends the worst message to the public: That it’s legitimate for public office holders to use their position for personal gain”
www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/p...
“It sends the worst message to the public: That it’s legitimate for public office holders to use their position for personal gain”
www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/p...
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Democratic lawmakers have proposed legislation to make Election Day a state holiday.
"Democracy works better when we all participate," Catherine Turcer, voting rights advocate at Common Cause Ohio, said.
by Morgan Trau
www.news5cleveland.com/news/politic...
"Democracy works better when we all participate," Catherine Turcer, voting rights advocate at Common Cause Ohio, said.
by Morgan Trau
www.news5cleveland.com/news/politic...
Ohio lawmakers propose bill to make Election Day a holiday
Ohio lawmakers have proposed legislation to make Election Day a state holiday. The state's voter turnout varies per election, ranging from 70% for the 2024 presidential election to 10% in 2025.
www.news5cleveland.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:35 PM
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Democratic lawmakers have proposed legislation to make Election Day a state holiday.
"Democracy works better when we all participate," Catherine Turcer, voting rights advocate at Common Cause Ohio, said.
by Morgan Trau
www.news5cleveland.com/news/politic...
"Democracy works better when we all participate," Catherine Turcer, voting rights advocate at Common Cause Ohio, said.
by Morgan Trau
www.news5cleveland.com/news/politic...
Join Common Cause Ohio, Indivisible Central Ohio, Ohioans Against Extremism, Ohio Families Unite for Political Action and Change (OFUPAC), SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH, and other allies and community members at the Ohio Statehouse on Friday at 1pm.
www.mobilize.us/oh-local-119...
www.mobilize.us/oh-local-119...
ICE OUT! National Day of Truth and Freedom - Columbus, OH · SEIU OH Local 1199
ICE has been inflicting a reign of terror in our communities. They are showing us, in real time, what their power looks like: masked agents, raids in our neighborhoods, our families terrorized, and ou...
www.mobilize.us
January 21, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Join Common Cause Ohio, Indivisible Central Ohio, Ohioans Against Extremism, Ohio Families Unite for Political Action and Change (OFUPAC), SEIU District 1199 WV/KY/OH, and other allies and community members at the Ohio Statehouse on Friday at 1pm.
www.mobilize.us/oh-local-119...
www.mobilize.us/oh-local-119...
Civil rights leaders say the movement faces a new inflection point as the Trump administration targets diversity programs and the Supreme Court weighs a Voting Rights Act case.
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01...
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01...
Civil rights leaders see another turning point one year into Trump’s term
Civil rights leaders say the movement faces a new inflection point as the Trump administration targets diversity programs and the Supreme Court weighs a Voting Rights Act case.
www.cleveland.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Civil rights leaders say the movement faces a new inflection point as the Trump administration targets diversity programs and the Supreme Court weighs a Voting Rights Act case.
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01...
www.cleveland.com/news/2026/01...
Senators worry that US Postal Service changes could disenfranchise voters who cast ballots by mail
apnews.com/article/elec...
apnews.com/article/elec...
Senators worry that US Postal Service changes could disenfranchise voters who cast ballots by mail
A group of U.S. senators is voicing concern over U.S. Postal Service processing changes and what those could mean for voting with mail ballots.
apnews.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Senators worry that US Postal Service changes could disenfranchise voters who cast ballots by mail
apnews.com/article/elec...
apnews.com/article/elec...
Advocates say electric rate decrease could instead raise bills up to $30
by Katie Millard
www.nbc4i.com/news/local-n...
by Katie Millard
www.nbc4i.com/news/local-n...
Advocates say electric rate decrease could instead raise bills up to $30
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — AEP Ohio said electric rates will decrease if a new rate change is approved, but advocates say the change could raise bills by as much as $30 per month. AEP Ohio has b…
www.nbc4i.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Advocates say electric rate decrease could instead raise bills up to $30
by Katie Millard
www.nbc4i.com/news/local-n...
by Katie Millard
www.nbc4i.com/news/local-n...
'Unacceptable': Lawmakers call on PUCO to deny FirstEnergy's request for extended outages and reliability plan
by Mike Holden
www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-n...
by Mike Holden
www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-n...
'Unacceptable': Lawmakers call on PUCO to deny FirstEnergy's request for extended outages and reliability plan
FirstEnergy is asking regulators for permission to allow longer and more frequent power outages. Lawmakers are pushing back.
www.news5cleveland.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM
'Unacceptable': Lawmakers call on PUCO to deny FirstEnergy's request for extended outages and reliability plan
by Mike Holden
www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-n...
by Mike Holden
www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-n...