The bill, introduced by Representatives LaRe and Swearingen, seeks to amend various sections of the Revised Code to enhance the integrity of the voting process in Ohio by requiring verification of an elector's citizenship prior to voting. Key provisions include the establishment of new sections 3503.201, 3503.202, and 3511.052, which outline the requirements for proof of citizenship, acceptable forms of documentation, and the responsibilities of petition circulators. Notably, the bill mandates that circulators must disclose if they are compensated and submit to the jurisdiction of Ohio courts. Additionally, it introduces a new definition of "confirmation notice" to ensure compliance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.

The bill also revises procedures related to voter registration, absentee voting, and the handling of provisional ballots. It specifies that voter registration applications must include a declaration of citizenship and allows for electronic submissions. Furthermore, it establishes guidelines for the processing of absentee ballots, including the requirement for photo identification and the prohibition of prepaying return postage. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of voter registration data and introduces penalties for election-related offenses. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline the voting process while ensuring that only eligible voters can 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