The bill introduced in the 136th General Assembly seeks to amend various sections of the Revised Code to establish a permanent absent voter list. This list will include all registered electors in the county who choose to participate, and individuals will have the option to submit written applications to be removed from the list. To facilitate this, the bill requires voter registration forms to include a checkbox for applicants to request inclusion on the permanent absent voter list, ensuring that voters are informed of this option during the registration process. Additionally, the online voter registration system will be enhanced to include a statement affirming the applicant's desire to be placed on the list, streamlining the absentee voting process.

Moreover, the legislation mandates that boards of elections send absent voter ballot applications to each elector on the permanent absent voter list at least 45 days before the close of voter registration for an election. It also introduces a notice requirement for voters about the necessity of photo identification at polling places and the option to vote provisionally if they lack such identification. The bill repeals several existing sections of the Revised Code that are now considered obsolete due to these updates, reflecting a broader effort to improve voter accessibility and participation.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3501.11, 3503.14, 3503.20, 3503.28, 3509.03