Ohio's voter ID amendment could have lasting consequences
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The biggest consequences of Ohio's newly approved voter ID amendment may not be felt for years, if future lawmakers seek to make voting more accessible.
Why it matters: The rules at the polls aren't changing, but the legislature could have fewer options to make voting easier for people who struggle to get the right ID.
Catch up quick: The amendment requires 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.
- The state began requiring photo ID in 2023.
What he's saying: The amendment restricts lawmakers' ability to make voting easier, Northern Kentucky University law professor Ken Katkin says.
- With the amendment in place, for example, lawmakers could no longer simply pass a law allowing college student IDs at the polls.
What they're saying: Ohio Republican lawmakers placed Issue 3 on the ballot, with supporters saying it's designed to protect election security.
- Democratic Gov.-elect Amy Acton supported it as well, while emphasizing that IDs should remain free and accessible, Signal Ohio reported.
The other side: Cincinnati attorney Tim Burke, who chaired the Hamilton County Board of Elections for 21 years, calls the amendment "absolutely unnecessary."
- "And keep in mind the only ID that was required not so many years ago was a voter's signature," Burke tells Axios.
- The ACLU of Ohio also warns that locking existing requirements into the constitution could complicate the adoption of digital IDs and other emerging technologies.
The big picture: Ohio's existing photo ID requirements have already resulted in rejected ballots.
- In Hamilton County, 646 provisional ballots were rejected for lack of valid identification in November 2024.
- Over 7,000 provisional ballots statewide went uncounted that election for ID-related reasons, Cleveland.com reported.
The bottom line: Katkin doesn't expect lawmakers to significantly tighten Ohio's voting requirements anytime soon.
- How well those rules serve tomorrow's voters remains to be seen.