The bill introduced by Representative Upchurch seeks to establish an automatic voter registration system in Ohio by amending various sections of the Revised Code. A significant addition is the new section 3503.11, which requires the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Medicaid to provide daily electronic records to the Secretary of State for individuals eligible to register to vote. This initiative aims to simplify the voter registration process, ensuring that eligible citizens are automatically registered, thereby promoting higher voter participation. The bill also includes provisions for the removal of ineligible voters from the statewide voter registration database and outlines the Secretary of State's responsibilities in implementing the system, including adopting rules to confirm eligibility and releasing monthly voter registration statistics.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for voter registration, such as the necessity for individuals to provide specific personal information and mandates that the Secretary of State transmit this information to local boards of elections for eligibility determination. It emphasizes the importance of photo identification at polling places and allows for provisional ballots if identification is not presented. The legislation also includes measures for handling changes in residence or name, the cancellation of registrations under certain circumstances, and the development of an information brochure by the Secretary of State to inform voters of their rights and responsibilities. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and integrity of the voter registration process while ensuring compliance with identification requirements and maintaining accurate voter rolls.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3501.05, 3503.09, 3503.12, 3503.13, 3503.16, 3503.19, 3503.21, 3503.28, 3503.30, 3503.33, 3505.181, 3505.183, 3599.11, 3599.18, 4506.07, 4507.06, 4507.51, 3503.11