The bill amends sections 3509.03, 3511.02, and 3599.21 of the Revised Code to prohibit any person from mailing unsolicited absentee ballot request forms to others. It introduces new language stating that "No person shall mail an unsolicited application for absent voter's ballots to any person," reinforcing the prohibition against unsolicited applications. Additionally, it removes the previous allowance under section 111.31 of the Revised Code, which is also being repealed, thereby tightening the regulations surrounding absentee ballot requests.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that public offices and officials are not permitted to prepay return postage for absentee ballot applications or to deliver unsolicited applications. Violations of these provisions can result in penalties, with first-time offenders facing a misdemeanor charge and subsequent offenses escalating to a felony. The overall intent of the bill is to enhance the integrity of the absentee voting process by limiting unsolicited outreach and ensuring that voters actively request their ballots.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3509.03, 3511.02, 3599.21, 111.31