The bill introduced by Representatives LaRe and Swearingen seeks to amend various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to enhance the verification of an elector's citizenship prior to voting. Key provisions include the enactment of new sections related to voter registration, voter roll maintenance, and election procedures. Notably, the bill mandates that voters provide proof of citizenship through acceptable documentation, such as Ohio driver's licenses or U.S. passports, and introduces new requirements for petition circulators, including the need to personally write the number of signatures collected and submit them to Ohio courts and election boards. Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws to streamline the petition process and enhance voter registration accuracy, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Furthermore, the bill includes significant amendments regarding the handling of provisional ballots and absentee voting. It establishes new identification requirements for voters casting provisional ballots, including proof of citizenship, and outlines the procedures for counting these ballots. The legislation also introduces measures to improve the absentee voting process, such as mandating the inclusion of return envelopes with tracking capabilities and allowing for in-person absentee voting at designated locations. Overall, the bill aims to tighten voting regulations in Ohio, enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process, and ensure that only eligible voters 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