Ohio Republican lawmakers pass bill requiring absentee voters show a copy of their ID to vote

Ohio Republican state lawmakers have sent a bill requiring absentee voters to provide a copy of their driver’s license or state ID starting with the November 2027 election to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature. 

The Ohio Senate passed the bill 23-10. Ohio Sen. Bill Blessing, R-Colerain Twp., joined Ohio Senate Democrats in voting against the bill.

The Ohio House voted 60-34 to concur with changes made to the bill. 

Under the bill, absentee voters would be required to show their ID either when they request an absentee ballot or if they submit their ballot in-person.

It requires the Ohio Secretary of State, the board of electrons, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, and public libraries to provide free copies of electors’ photo IDs. 

It also requires the Secretary of State to create a secure online portal where a voter can apply for an absentee ballot starting Sept. 3, 2027. 

Changes were made to Ohio House Bill 472 this week during the Ohio Senate General Government Committee. The bill originally started as a bill that would waive fees for birth certificate copies for people experiencing homelessness. 

Ohio Reps. Christine Cockley, D-Columbus, and Jodi Salvo, R-Bolivar, introduced the bill, which passed the Ohio House with only one dissenting vote earlier this year. 

Cockley expressed her frustration with the changes made to the bill and asked that her name to be taken off the bill, saying “Senate Republicans hijacked” the bill. 

“People experiencing homelessness should not be used as political leverage,” Cockley said. “A bill designed to help individuals obtain the documents they need to stabilize their lives should not become a bargaining chip for unrelated policy purposes.”

Ohio state Sens. Kristina Roegner, R-Hudson, and Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, said the changes to this bill are needed to strengthen election integrity. 

“It is important that all voters, regardless of how or where they vote, with few exceptions, show a photo ID when they vote to verify that they are indeed who they claim to be,” Roegner said.

“Confidence and democracy depends on confidence in our voting process. Requiring photo ID is a great way to verify identity and strengthen public trust.” 

Ohio Rep. Marilyn John, R-Richland, said the Senate Republicans made changes to the bill “which complement the framework set up by SJR 10.” 

“These changes plan a package that ensures the integrity of the mail-in ballot process and guards against voter fraud, while preserving options to vote for voters challenged by physical and medical conditions,” John said. 

Ohio Democratic lawmakers, however, argue this would hurt senior citizens who tend to vote absentee. 

“This legislation will not prevent fraud and will make voting more difficult for groups, especially our seniors,” said Ohio state Sen. Willis Blackshear Jr., D-Dayton.

“Voter fraud is incredibly rare, and when it does occur, usually it is not the result of someone attempting to impersonate another individual.”

Former Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost brought forth six indictments for voter fraud in 2024 after receiving 600 referrals of alleged voter fraud from the Ohio Secretary of State.

The indicted were accused of voting at least once between 2008 and 2020 despite not being U.S. citizens then. 

“Mail-in voting is safe and secure, and there is zero evidence that there is fraud here in Ohio in our mail-in voting process,” said state Rep. Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington. 

“There is zero evidence that there is fraud here in Ohio in our mail-in voting process. This amendment is half baked and it is sloppy.” 

Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, said there are security risks when it comes to comes to putting a photo of your ID in the mail. 

“It could be intercepted,” she said. “It could be stolen. … Criminals could use your ID for fraud. They could open a bank account, they could take out a loan, they could do all kinds of things with your ID.”

Ohio House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn, D-Cincinnati, said this bill does not solve “a real problem.” 

“We are creating a real barrier for people to vote, particularly seniors across Ohio, and it makes no sense,” he said. 

The Ohio Association of Elected Officials testified against the bill saying many senior citizens and those with chronic health conditions or mobility limitations rely on mail-in voting. 

“For these voters, the requirement is not merely an inconvenience. It is a significant obstacle to voting,” said Franklin County Board of Elections Director Antone White. 

Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on X or on Bluesky.