Bill > HB320

This bill requires an elector to register as a member of a political party in order to participate in that party's primary election. Specifically, the bill establishes new provisions for determining an elector's political party affiliation, which will now be based on the most recent voter registration application or the political party ballot the elector most recently cast at a primary election. Voter registration forms will now include a section where applicants must select a political party affiliation or explicitly choose to remain unaffiliated. For primary elections, electors will only be permitted to vote a political party's ballot if they are affiliated with that party as of thirty days before the primary election. The bill also modifies various related sections of Ohio election law to align with this new requirement, including changes to candidate filing procedures, petition signatures, and voting challenges. Candidates will now need to be affiliated with the party whose nomination they seek, and precinct election officials can challenge a voter's right to vote in a primary based on their party affiliation. The goal appears to be ensuring that primary elections are more closely tied to party membership and preventing voters from easily switching between party ballots.

Government Affairs

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb320