Ohio Legislature Passes Bill Requiring ID Copies for Absentee Voting
Ohio lawmakers approve bill requiring absentee voters to show ID copies starting in 2027, with Governor DeWine’s decision pending.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Ohio Republican lawmakers have approved legislation requiring absentee voters to provide copies of their driver’s license or state identification cards, sending the measure to Governor Mike DeWine for his signature.
The Ohio Senate passed the bill Tuesday in a 23-10 vote, with Republican Senator Bill Blessing of Colerain Township breaking party ranks to join all Senate Democrats in opposition. The Ohio House subsequently voted 60-34 to approve changes made to the legislation.
New Requirements for Absentee Voters
Under the approved bill, absentee voters must present their identification either when requesting an absentee ballot or when submitting their completed ballot in person. The new requirements would take effect beginning with the November 2027 election.
The legislation mandates that the Ohio Secretary of State, boards of elections, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, and public libraries provide free copies of voters’ photo identification cards to ensure access to the requirement.
Online Portal Development Required
The bill also directs the Secretary of State to establish a secure online portal where voters can apply for absentee ballots starting September 3, 2027. This aims to modernize the absentee voting application process alongside the new identification requirements.
The measure underwent significant changes this week during review by the Ohio Senate General Government Committee. The legislation originally began as Ohio House Bill 472, introduced by Representatives Christine Cockley, a Columbus Democrat, and Jodi Salvo, a Republican from Bolivar.
Bill’s Origins and Transformation
House Bill 472 initially focused on waiving fees for birth certificate copies for people experiencing homelessness. That version passed the Ohio House earlier this year with only one dissenting vote, according to the Ohio Capital Journal.
Representative Cockley expressed frustration with the substantial changes made to her original legislation and requested that her name be removed from the bill following the Senate committee’s modifications.
The transformation of the homeless services bill into voter identification legislation reflects ongoing Republican efforts to modify Ohio’s election procedures. Supporters argue the requirements will enhance election security, while critics contend they create unnecessary barriers to voting.
Governor DeWine has not yet indicated whether he will sign the bill into law. If approved, Ohio would join other states that have implemented identification requirements for absentee voting, though the provision of free ID copies addresses concerns about potential financial barriers to voting access.
