For secretary of state, Husted is best choice

As the Ohio's chief elections officer, Secretary of State Jon Husted has been a lightning rod of controversy since assuming office in January 2011.

The debate on early voting hours and Husted's insistence hours be uniform across the state has been a particular sore spot for his opponent, Democratic State Sen. Nina Turner.

On early voting, we'd like to see Husted be more flexible on creating hours that work in each county. Ohio's history of problems at polling places — particularly in urban counties — make the best case to allow for more hours, provided the counties can afford such a plan. That is the way to make sure the highest number of eligible people can exercise their right to vote.

But the U.S. Supreme Court — which upheld Ohio's new limits on early voting, but struck down similar measures in other states — has been clear on one thing: Changing the rules immediately preceding an election is not good policy. The right of early voting should continue, but a resolution needs to be reached outside major election cycles.

In the end, we believe Husted's efforts — and his plans for the future — make him the best choice. He should continue as secretary of state.

Husted's efforts to increase the integrity of Ohio's voter rolls is also worth noting. Cross-checking voter information with bureau of motor vehicles information has resulted in 360,000 dead voters and 340,000 duplicate names being removed from the rolls.

Husted also wins points for his efforts to change redistricting in the state. He's not been successful in coaxing his own party into accepting his ideas — which includes a statewide ballot initiative — but his critics can't claim Husted hasn't tried to change the way the state draws districts. He's also bucked his party on a mandate for a system of photo ID before voting and backed online voter registration efforts in the state, which has also failed to gain backing in the legislature.

Ultimately, Turner is a strong candidate and presents a stiff challenge to Husted, but we recommend the incumbent, who has a record of improving Ohio's election process and has plans to continue moving the state in the correct direction.