Ohio Voters Enshrine Voter ID in State Constitution

Overview

• The Associated Press projected on Wednesday that Ohio Issue 3 passed after Tuesday’s vote, and the amendment takes effect immediately.
• The amendment requires in-person voters to present one of a specific list of government-issued photo IDs such as an unexpired Ohio driver’s license, U.S. passport, military ID, Ohio National Guard ID, or VA ID.
• The measure allows an alternative verification for in-person voters who lack photo ID because of a sincere religious objection to being photographed, as provided by state law.
• For mail ballots the amendment requires voters to provide specified government photo ID or, if authorized by law, a signature plus at least one other unique identifier for verification.
• Supporters say the change locks in election security by moving rules into the constitution while opponents say it is unnecessary and could restrict voting access because future changes will need a separate voter-approved amendment, a point highlighted by the Ohio League of Women Voters’ neutral stance.