Ohio's Republican governor orders polls closed hours before Election Day

Ohio's Republican governor brought into question the legitimacy of his own state's 2020 primary if it occurs on Tuesday.

Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose issued a joint statement after a judge blocked their plan to postpone the election.

"Logistically, under these extraordinary circumstances, it simply isn't possible to hold an election tomorrow that will be considered legitimate by Ohions," the two said, in a statement.

.@LtGovHusted - Ultimately it is not fair to make people pick between their health and constitutional rights. Voters can vote by mail, and this will help us achieve the goal that people maintain their constitutional rights safely. #COVID19 #COVID19OhioReady

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) March 16, 2020

NEW statement from Ohio Gov. DeWine and Secretary of State LaRose saying "it simply isn't possible to hold an election tomorrow that will be considered legitimate by Ohioans." There's no mention of an appeal in the statement, but this implies to me that one is coming? I've asked! pic.twitter.com/1Rhn8TkJft

— Zach Montellaro (@ZachMontellaro) March 17, 2020