Ohio voters weigh photo ID constitutional amendment
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Ohio voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve photo ID requirements at the polls as a constitutional amendment, making existing voting rules harder to change.
Why it matters: Ohio already requires photo ID to vote in person, but Issue 3 would enshrine that requirement in the state constitution, limiting lawmakers' ability to eliminate it while leaving some implementation details to state law.
Zoom in: The amendment would require voters to present an unexpired Ohio driver's license or state ID, U.S. passport or passport card, or qualifying military, Ohio National Guard or veterans ID to vote in person.
As for mail-in ballots: The amendment would require photo ID but allow lawmakers to authorize an alternative using a signature and at least one other specified unique identifier.
- Ohio currently allows absentee voters to use the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Another exception: Issue 3 would permit alternative verification for those with a sincere religious objection to being photographed.
The debate: Ohio lawmakers placed Issue 3 on the ballot. Republican supporters say constitutional protections would strengthen election security and public confidence.
- Democratic opponents say existing safeguards are sufficient and worry the amendment fails to protect absentee voting rights.
Zoom out: Ohio is part of a nationwide push to strengthen voter ID requirements.
- Three-dozen states currently require or request identification at the polls, including 24 that require or request photo ID, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The bottom line: A simple majority is needed to pass Issue 3, which would take effect immediately.
Go deeper: Read the official ballot language, plus arguments for and against Issue 3.