Ohio Governor Vetoes Bill Requiring Photo ID for Mail Voting

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed House Bill 472, a Republican-passed measure that would have required voters to present a photo ID to cast a ballot by mail. DeWine announced his decision late Wednesday, issuing a lengthy statement explaining that the requirement was unnecessary and would create undue burdens for voters without offering substantial security benefits.

DeWine stated that Ohio already has robust election security and that the bill was not needed. He noted that bipartisan election officials had complained about the rushed passage of the bill, which was introduced as an amendment and passed within two days. The Ohio chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons also opposed the measure.

Republicans had described HB 472 as a common-sense election security measure, arguing that mail voting should not be exempt from photo ID requirements. The bill proposed an online portal for requesting mail ballots, allowing voters to submit photos of their ID and face, or use alternative identification methods like the last four digits of their driver's license number, with a requirement to later include a copy of their photo ID with the ballot. Voters could also present their ID in person at a county board of elections office.

Elections officials raised concerns about the workability of the remote ID submission process and privacy issues related to maintaining a database of voter photos and ID copies. While lawmakers amended the bill to exempt these records from public disclosure, officials still expressed doubts about their ability to implement the system in time.

The bill included exemptions for voters with religious objections, military members, overseas citizens, individuals with severe medical conditions or disabilities, and those who were incarcerated. A late amendment also exempted voters facing mobility issues or other obstacles to obtaining a photo ID or its copy.

Democrats and voting-rights groups had criticized the bill, calling it a rushed effort to impede voting, particularly for seniors and those who move frequently. They argued that mail-in voting is secure and does not require additional restrictions. The Ohio Organizing Collaborative held a rally urging DeWine to veto the bill, with its director stating it was an attempt by Republicans to prevent people from voting.

Separately, a constitutional amendment that would require photo ID for in-person voting and allow lawmakers to mandate it for other voting methods will appear on the November ballot. Governors do not have a role in sending proposed constitutional amendments to voters. Republican lawmakers could still attempt to override DeWine's veto, as they hold a sufficient majority in the Ohio House.