Federal Judge restores 3 early voting days in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A federal judge in Ohio is giving all voters in the swing state the option of casting their ballot in person during the three days before Election Day.

Judge Peter Economus on Friday issued a preliminary injunction granting the request from President Barack Obama's campaign that targets a state law that cuts off early voting for most residents on the Friday evening before a Tuesday election.

The law exempts military personnel and Ohioans living overseas.

Obama's campaign and Democrats are suing the state's elections chief over the legality of the law. They argue that everyone should have a chance to vote on those three days.

Attorneys for the state contend that many laws grant special voting accommodations for military members, and local boards need time to prepare for elections.

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerlad weighed in on the matter with a statement released Friday afternoon:

“This ruling reinforces the belief that our government should use all avenues to make voting easier, not harder, for Ohio’s citizens.  Permitting in-person voting on the days before the election will make it simpler for working men and women to cast their votes as well as help eliminate the long lines and other voting problems that we have experienced in the past,” said FitzGerald.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced he will appeal the ruling for preliminary injunction.