06/18/2026
Ohio's election laws should be transparent, carefully considered, and designed to protect every eligible voter's access to the ballot.
I'm concerned about the last-minute changes being proposed in HB 472. What began as a bipartisan effort to help Ohioans experiencing homelessness obtain identification documents has now been replaced with a 121-page substitute bill making significant changes to Ohio's absentee voting system.
Among the proposed changes are new photo ID requirements for absentee voters, a new online application process, and major new responsibilities for county Boards of Elections.
Whether you support or oppose these specific provisions, changes of this magnitude deserve a full public discussion, adequate time for review, and a clear implementation plan. Election administration is complex, and rushed legislation can create unintended consequences for voters, election officials, and the integrity of the process itself.
Ohio voters deserve election laws that are understandable, accessible, and implemented effectively. Before major changes move forward, lawmakers should ensure the public, election officials, and legislators themselves have sufficient opportunity to review, understand, and provide input on the proposal.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. Our elections work best when citizens participate in the process.