Elections chief sets uniform voting hours for Ohio

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted has set uniform hours for early voting statewide for the first time.

The Republican elections chief said Wednesday he'll direct election boards to remain open until 7 p.m. on weekdays for most of the two weeks leading up to the election. But he ruled against Saturday hours.

The decision extends hours for some election boards but means others that intended to be open on Saturdays in October won't be able to do so.

The move comes as Democrats and civil rights groups pressured Husted to broaden access to the polls.

Prior to Husted's order, local boards of election could set their own early, in-person voting hours. And weekend hours for voting varied among the state's 88 counties.

“All voters can and should be confident that the presidential election in Ohio will be uniform, accessible for all, fair and secure," Husted said.