Ohio lawmakers have approved legislation that would require absentee voters to submit a copy of a photo ID when returning their ballots, a move Republicans say will strengthen election security but that critics argue could create new hurdles for voters.The law will take effect in time for the November 2027 elections.The measure, House Bill 472, is one of two election-related proposals Republicans advanced this month. The Ohio House also approved a constitutional amendment that would enshrine the state’s existing photo ID requirements for in-person voting in the Ohio Constitution.
Under current Ohio law, voters requesting an absentee ballot can verify their identity by providing information such as the last four digits of their Social Security number or their driver’s license number. The new legislation would largely preserve those requirements for requesting a ballot but add a new step when casting one. Voters would be required to include a copy of a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, when mailing back their absentee ballot. Alternatively, they could hand-deliver the ballot and present a photo ID to election officials in person.
The legislation would also create a new online absentee ballot application system. Ohio voters currently must obtain and complete a paper application to request a mail ballot. Under the proposal, the Ohio secretary of state’s office would establish an online portal allowing voters to submit a request electronically by uploading a photo ID and a photograph of themselves.
