Ohio adds new photo ID requirement for mail voting for 2027 election

Ohio lawmakers approved a new photo ID requirement for mail voting on Wednesday, marking a shift from previous exemptions. The measure, House Bill 472, will take effect before the November 2027 election, meaning current voting rules remain unchanged. The bill was fast-tracked alongside Senate Joint Resolution 10, which seeks to enshrine Ohio’s existing in-person voter ID law in the state constitution. If approved by voters in November, SJR10 will become Issue 3. Republican lawmakers framed the changes as necessary for election integrity, citing polling that shows voter support for ID requirements. State Sen. Theresa Gavarone, a Bowling Green Republican, stated that photo IDs would restore confidence in elections. However, Democrats, including Rep. Dani Isaacsohn, dismissed the need for the new law, arguing voter fraud is rare and the requirement disproportionately affects seniors and marginalized groups. The push for the mail voting ID requirement came after President Donald Trump pressured Ohio Republicans on Truth Social, urging them to include it in the amendment. Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman defended the rushed timeline, noting the law won’t take effect until 2027 and allowing time for proper implementation. Critics, including voting-rights groups, argue the swift passage reflects partisan motives rather than genuine security concerns. The bill now awaits Gov. Mike DeWine’s signature. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans initially excluded mail voting from the constitutional amendment but reversed course after internal pressure from House members. The changes also include provisions for free government IDs for homeless individuals, though opponents view the move as politically motivated to suppress turnout among certain voter groups.