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Ohio Ballot Board Clears Voter ID Amendment as Democrats Split

The measure would lock the state’s existing photo‑ID rule into the constitution, a change that could make it harder for future legislatures to undo.

Overview

  • The Ohio State Ballot Board approved Issue 3 in mid‑August, sending the amendment to the November 2026 ballot as the only constitutional question voters will decide.
  • If approved, Issue 3 would require Ohioans to show a government‑issued photo ID to vote in person even though that requirement already exists in state law.
  • Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton publicly backed the amendment, a stance that breaks with many party leaders and has created visible tension within Ohio’s Democratic coalition.
  • Opponents from both parties and the Libertarian ticket say the amendment is unnecessary or risky because audits show no widespread fraud in Ohio and constitutionalizing a statute could create unintended limits on voter access.
  • Supporters say the change would prevent a future legislature from repealing voter ID and give Republicans a new campaign issue that could shape turnout and the governor and secretary‑of‑state races.