Bill > HB577

This bill requires photo identification for absent voting and revises voter registration law in Ohio. Specifically, the bill mandates that voters casting absent voter's ballots by mail must provide a copy of an acceptable photo ID, such as an Ohio driver's license, state identification card, passport, military ID, or veterans' ID. If a voter does not have such identification, they can provide the last four digits of their social security number or complete an affidavit of religious objection to being photographed. The bill also requires various state and local agencies, including libraries, motor vehicle offices, and county boards of elections, to provide free copies of photo identification to voters upon request for the purpose of absent voting. Additionally, the legislation updates voter registration processes, enhances security measures for voter registration databases, and modifies procedures for handling absent voter's ballots. The changes aim to ensure voter identity verification while maintaining accessibility for voters who may have difficulty obtaining photo identification. The bill applies to both traditional mail-in absent voting and uniformed services or overseas absent voting.

Government Affairs

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb577