The bill introduced by Senators Gavarone and Brenner seeks to amend various sections of the Revised Code to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in Ohio by requiring verification of an elector's citizenship before voting. It proposes the enactment of new sections that establish requirements for citizenship verification and updates procedures for voter registration, voter roll maintenance, absent voting, and election petitions. Significant changes include the deletion of the requirement for petition circulators to be electors of Ohio, replaced with a stipulation that they must personally write the number of signatures collected and submit to the jurisdiction of Ohio courts and election authorities. The bill also introduces new definitions, such as "proof of citizenship," and mandates that voters present photo identification at the polls.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws related to absentee voting, allowing voters to cast their ballots in person at the board of elections without prior application and requiring specific identification for absentee ballots. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate voter registration records and outlines the procedures for handling provisional ballots, including the requirement for voters to provide necessary documentation within a specified timeframe. The bill also introduces stricter penalties for election-related offenses and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of petition committees, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in the initiative and referendum process. Overall, the bill reflects a comprehensive effort to streamline voting procedures while ensuring that only eligible citizens participate in elections.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 303.12, 303.59, 307.94, 3501.01, 3501.38, 3501.381, 3501.39, 3503.13, 3503.14, 3503.15, 3503.151, 3503.152, 3503.153, 3503.16, 3503.19, 3503.20, 3503.21, 3503.33, 3505.181, 3505.182, 3505.183, 3505.20, 3509.02, 3509.03, 3509.04, 3509.05, 3509.051, 3509.06, 3509.07, 3509.08, 3509.09, 3511.02, 3511.04, 3511.05, 3511.09, 3511.11, 3511.14, 3513.07, 3513.261, 3517.01, 3517.12, 3519.02, 3519.05, 3519.16, 3599.12, 3599.21