The state's elections chief is appealing a federal judge's order that required polls in four southwest Ohio counties to stay open for an extra hour during last month's presidential primary.
U.S. District Judge Susan Dlott ordered polls in Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties to remain open until 8:30 p.m. on March 15 because of a traffic accident affecting the region. Polls were scheduled to close at 7:30 p.m.
Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted says he learned of the order after 7:30 p.m. and then directed the boards to stay open.
A Husted spokesman says the decision came without a hearing or a formal complaint, setting a "dangerous precedent" for future elections if unchallenged.
Husted filed his notice of appeal Monday with the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
