Gavin Howe
Voting laws in Ohio have undergone significant changes in recent years, with the state now regarded as having some of the most restrictive voting requirements in the country. The state's first law mandating voter registration was passed in 1845, and while over 6 million Ohioans are currently registered to vote, many eligible citizens remain unregistered. The passage of HB 458 in January 2023 by Governor DeWine has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it undermines election accessibility and the power of Ohio voters. This legislation enforces strict voter ID requirements, restricts drop box locations, and alters rules for curbside voting, absentee ballots, and more. These changes have raised concerns about voter confusion and potential suppression, particularly impacting minority and military voters. Understanding the evolving landscape of voting laws in Ohio is essential to ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their fundamental right to vote effectively.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who creates voting laws in Ohio | The Governor of Ohio, Secretary of State of Ohio, and the Ohio Board of Elections |
| Recent changes to voting laws | HB 458, signed into law by Governor DeWine on January 6, 2023 |
| Changes to voting laws under HB 458 | In-person voters must use an unexpired photo ID; limits drop boxes to one location per county; changes to curbside voting rules; shortens the window to cure provisional ballots |
| Voter eligibility requirements | Must be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days before the election; not incarcerated for a felony conviction; not declared incompetent for voting; not permanently disenfranchised for violating election laws |
| Voter registration | Can mail a registration form to the Secretary of State or register at designated sites; must be at least 18 years old |
| Absentee ballots | Can request an absentee ballot 30 days after registering to vote; must print and mail an absentee ballot request to the county Board of Elections |
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Voter eligibility
To be eligible to vote in Ohio, you must be a US citizen, at least 18 years old on or before the day of the next general election, and a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days before the election. If you are 17 or older, you can get a free state ID to use for voting. However, county-issued veteran IDs and student IDs are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification. Only four types of photo IDs are accepted: an Ohio driver's license, an Ohio-issued state identification card, a US or state military ID, or a passport.
Additionally, you cannot be incarcerated (in prison or jail) for a felony conviction, and you must not have been permanently disenfranchised for violating election laws or declared incompetent for voting by a probate court. If you are a military voter, your voting residence is the place in Ohio where you lived before leaving for military service. If you are the spouse or dependent of a military voter, the same rule applies. If you are a college student, you can vote using your school residence address in Ohio if you do not intend to return to a different permanent address.
To register to vote, you can mail a registration form to the Secretary of State or submit it to one of the designated registration sites. You can also have another person deliver your application to one of these offices, but it must arrive no later than 30 days before the election.
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Voter registration
In Ohio, voter registration applications can be mailed to a county board of elections or the Secretary of State's office. Alternatively, you may deliver your application to one of the offices listed, or entrust a completed registration form to another person for delivery. However, the application must reach the office of a board of elections or the Secretary of State no later than the voter registration deadline, which is 30 days before the election.
To be eligible to vote in Ohio, you must be a resident of the state for at least 30 days before the election and be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the next general election. You cannot be incarcerated for a felony conviction, declared incompetent for voting purposes by a probate court, or permanently disenfranchised for violating election laws.
If you are a military voter, or the spouse or dependent of one, your voting residence is the place in Ohio where you lived before leaving for military service. If you are a college student, you may vote using your school residence address in Ohio if you do not intend to return to a different permanent address.
Ohio's first law requiring voter registration was enacted in 1845. Today, there are more than 6 million registered voters in the state, but many citizens remain unregistered and ineligible to vote.
Recently, Governor DeWine signed HB 458 into law, which made significant changes to Ohio's election process. One of the most notable changes is the requirement for in-person voters to present an unexpired photo ID during the early voting period or on Election Day. This has been criticised as a form of voter suppression, particularly for minority voters, who are disproportionately less likely to have government-issued photo identification.
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Absentee ballots
In Ohio, voting laws are enacted by the state legislature and the governor. For example, Governor DeWine recently signed HB 458 into law, which made significant changes to the state's election process. One of the most notable changes is the requirement for in-person voters to present an unexpired photo ID during the early voting period or on Election Day. This has been criticised as a form of voter suppression, particularly for minority voters, who are less likely to possess government-issued photo identification.
Now, onto absentee ballots. In Ohio, any registered voter may request an absentee ballot and vote by mail or in person at their county board of elections or early voting centre. To request an absentee ballot, voters can fill out a request form and mail it to their county board of elections. They can also request that their county board of elections give their blank ballot to a designated relative, who will deliver it to them if they are in the hospital.
Once a voter receives their absentee ballot, they can fill it out and return it by mail or in person. If returned by mail, the ballot must be postmarked no later than the day before Election Day and received by the county board of elections no later than four days after the election. If returned in person, the ballot must be delivered to the board of elections by 7:30 pm on Election Day by the voter or their spouse, child, or near relative. It is important to note that only certain relatives are permitted to deliver the ballot, and they must complete an attestation form.
For military and overseas voters, there are additional accommodations, and ballots must be received by the fourth day after the election. Voters can track the status of their absentee ballot request and their voted absentee ballot through the Voter Toolkit. It is important to be mindful of deadlines and cast your ballot on time to ensure that it is counted.
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Curbside voting
In the state of Ohio, the Secretary of State and county boards of elections are responsible for overseeing the voting process and implementing voting laws. The Secretary of State's office provides information and resources for voters, including voter registration and polling place locations.
Now, let's focus on curbside voting in Ohio.
In Ohio, voters with a physical disability or those who are unable to enter a polling location due to their disability can request curbside voting. Two precinct election officials from different political parties will bring the ballot to the voter. The voter has the option to sit in their car and vote or vote at the building's door. This process maintains the privacy and integrity of the vote, as the officials cannot provide instructions on how to mark the ballot or disclose any information about the voter's choices.
To be eligible for curbside voting in Ohio, an individual must have a physical disability or infirmity that prevents them from entering the polling place. This option ensures that voters with mobility issues or other physical limitations can still cast their ballots safely and conveniently. It is important to note that having a guardian does not take away a person's right to vote, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and have not been declared incompetent for voting purposes by a probate court.
Additionally, voters with disabilities in Ohio have other accommodations available to them. They may bring someone with them to help with the voting process, or they can request assistance from precinct election officials. Voters who are blind or have low vision are also provided with the necessary assistance to ensure they can cast their ballots privately and independently. These accommodations ensure that all voters, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate in the democratic process.
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Voter ID laws
In the state of Ohio, the governor and the legislature create voting laws. On January 6, 2023, Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 458 into law, making several changes to the state's election laws, including the addition of a photo identification requirement for in-person voters. This law went into effect on April 6, 2023.
Previously, Ohio voters were able to present non-photo identification, such as utility bills or bank statements, when voting. Now, voters are required to present one of only four acceptable forms of unexpired photo ID: an Ohio driver's license, an Ohio-issued state identification card, a U.S. or state military ID, or a passport. These IDs must include the individual's name and photograph and cannot be expired.
The new law also changes curbside voting rules, limiting this option to those with physical disabilities or those who are physically unable to enter a polling location. Additionally, the window to cure provisional ballots has been shortened from seven days to four days.
The implementation of voter ID laws in Ohio has been controversial. Some argue that it creates chaos and confusion for voters, reduces voter turnout, and disproportionately affects minority voters, who are less likely to have government-issued photo identification. Critics also point out that voter impersonation is exceedingly rare, making this legislation a solution to a non-existent problem.
However, supporters of the law may argue that photo IDs are required for other activities such as purchasing alcohol or driving a car, and ensuring accurate voter identification is crucial for election integrity. Nonetheless, the impact of this law on communities across Ohio, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, underscores the ongoing debate surrounding voter accessibility and the power of voters in the state.
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Frequently asked questions
Voting laws for Ohio are created by the Ohio state government. The Governor of Ohio signs bills into law.
Some key voting laws in Ohio include:
- Voters must be residents of Ohio for at least 30 days before the election.
- Voters must be at least 18 years old.
- Voters cannot be incarcerated for a felony conviction.
- Voters cannot be declared incompetent for voting by a probate court.
- Voters cannot be permanently disenfranchised for violating election laws.
In January 2023, Governor DeWine signed HB 458 into law, making significant changes to Ohio's voting laws. These changes include:
- Requiring in-person voters to use an unexpired photo ID during early voting or on Election Day.
- Limiting drop boxes to one location per county, which may only be open during business hours during early voting.
- Changing curbside voting rules so that only those with physical disabilities or those unable to enter a polling location are eligible.
- Shortening the window to cure provisional ballots from seven to four days.
There are several concerns with the new voting laws in Ohio, including:
- The laws could reduce voter turnout, particularly among BIPOC voters.
- The laws could create confusion among voters, especially with the new photo ID requirements.
- The laws do not include a measure to request absentee ballots online, adding barriers for voters.
To stay informed about voting laws in Ohio, it is recommended to refer to official government sources, such as the Ohio Secretary of State's website, which provides information on voter eligibility, residency requirements, and registration processes. Additionally, organisations like the League of Women Voters (LWV) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio offer insights and analyses of new voting laws and their potential impacts.
