Ohio legislators introduce joint resolutions enshrining voter ID into Ohio Constitution

COLUMBUS – Members of the Ohio House and Senate announced this week that they are introducing a pair of identical resolutions in each chamber to strengthen Ohio’s election process and enshrine voter ID laws into the state’s constitution, including the requirement to present photo identification. 

The resolutions are being championed by State Representatives Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) and Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown) in the Ohio House and State Senators Jane Timken (R-Jackson Township) and Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) in the Ohio Senate.

The resolutions, in part, state: “Electors shall provide identification in order to vote, in accordance with laws passed by the General Assembly.” The resolutions specify what constitutes a valid identification—specifically requiring individuals voting in person to provide a valid, government-issued photo identification.

“This resolution is about protecting election integrity and making sure Ohio voters feel completely confident about the voting process here in our state,” said Rep. Bird. “Enshrining voter ID into the Ohio Constitution ensures that this protection is not taken away by future General Assemblies.”

“This resolution is just commonsense and reinforces public trust,” said Rep. Workman. “It’s imperative we codify these requirements through the Ohio Constitution so that future generations can feel secure when taking part in the election process.”

“Providing Ohioans with constitutionally protected voter photo-ID is essential, especially in today’s world, where items like utility bills and bank statements can be so quickly and easily generated with Artificial Intelligence,” said Senator Timken. “Our elections should continue to be at least as secure as checking into a hotel.”

“Voter photo-ID requirements are consistently supported by 80+% of Americans. Yet, in states like Hawaii and Virginia, these requirements are being legislatively repealed,” said Senator Gavarone. “These Joint Resolutions will simply allow the people of Ohio to vote on this important election-integrity measure.”

The joint resolutions include a provision that if an Ohioan does not provide a valid photo identification card in person on election day, such as a Driver’s license, State ID, U.S. passport, or U.S. military ID, they can vote provisionally and provide photo identification at the board of elections by the deadline for their ballot to be counted.

Currently, Ohio law requires citizens to provide voter identification before voting, as approved through the Legislature in December 2022. The law also allows individuals to obtain initial and renewed state ID cards at no cost for Ohioans 17 and older. The joint resolution would codify these requirements in Ohio’s Constitution, ensuring the long-term security of our elections.

The resolutions require approval by three-fifths of the legislature to be placed on the ballot. Once on the ballot, it would require approval by a simple majority of the electorate before becoming effective. Hearings are expected on both the House and Senate Resolutions this week.

••• Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 28 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service – and want it to continue – it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.