COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a step forward for a proposed voting rights amendment, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office last week approved the revised petition summary for the “Ohio Voters Bill of Rights.” If it gains enough support and passes, the amendment would make substantial changes to Ohio’s election laws by amending Article V and Sections 1, 2, and 6 of the Ohio Constitution. Proponents argue the amendment will strengthen voting protections and accessibility, while opponents have voiced concerns about its potential effects on Ohio’s voting processes.
The Attorney General’s Office previously rejected the petition summary, originally submitted on January 16, 2024, claiming the title could mislead voters. Following a ruling from the Ohio Supreme Court in State ex rel. Dudley v. Yost, which clarified that the Attorney General cannot legally assess the title’s accuracy, the office was compelled to review the petition summary on its own merits. After this review, the summary was approved as fair and truthful, allowing the petition to move forward.
However, the Attorney General reiterated their earlier concern over the title’s clarity in a response letter to the petitioners: “The fact that the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Ohio concludes the relevant statute does not grant me authority to review the title does not change my determination that it is misleading. I urge you to consider a more accurate and less potentially confusing title.” Critics argue that the title could create unrealistic expectations among voters, emphasizing the need for clarity.
Next Steps for the Proposed Amendment
Now that the Attorney General has approved the petition summary, the Ohio Ballot Board must determine whether the proposal contains a single amendment or multiple amendments. If the board certifies it as a single issue, the petitioners must collect signatures from registered Ohio voters totaling at least 10% of the vote count in the last gubernatorial election. These signatures must come from voters in at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties, with each county meeting a minimum threshold of 5% of its recent gubernatorial votes.
About the “Ohio Voters Bill of Rights”
The “Ohio Voters Bill of Rights” proposes significant changes to Ohio’s electoral process, designed to expand and safeguard access to voting. It aims to enshrine various voting rights into the state constitution, addressing early voting, absentee voting, and polling place accessibility, among other issues. Proponents argue that these measures would increase voter participation, while opponents caution that some provisions could lead to unintended administrative challenges and costs.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Amendment:
- Affirmation of Voting as a Constitutional Right: The proposal seeks to guarantee that every eligible Ohioan has the right to vote in state elections, a change that advocates say would bolster democratic protections.
- Extended Early Voting: The amendment mandates a minimum period for early in-person voting, which proponents believe will make voting more convenient. Critics argue this could increase costs and logistical challenges.
- Same-Day Voter Registration: By allowing same-day voter registration during early voting, the amendment could make it easier for Ohioans to register and vote. However, opponents warn this could place additional stress on election officials.
- No-Excuse Absentee Voting: This provision would allow all eligible Ohioans to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason, which supporters argue would improve accessibility. Critics contend that it could create potential for abuse.
- Accessible Polling Places: The amendment would require polling places to be accessible to all voters, including those with disabilities. While advocates see this as necessary, some warn that it could raise logistical and financial demands on local election boards.
- Anti-Discrimination Measures: The amendment would prohibit discrimination in voting based on race, ethnicity, language, gender, and other characteristics, which advocates see as essential protections. Opponents question whether this adds complexity to Ohio’s existing voting laws.
- Balanced Voter ID Requirements: Proponents argue that fair ID requirements will prevent disenfranchisement, but opponents are concerned about potential increases in administrative challenges.
- Efficient Election Administration: This provision proposes training for poll workers and guidelines for equipment maintenance, aimed at reducing inefficiencies. Detractors question the feasibility of implementing new standards.
- Protection from Voter Intimidation: Provisions aimed at preventing intimidation at polling places seek to ensure voters feel safe while casting ballots, though some opponents see this as redundant given existing protections.
- Transparency and Accountability: The amendment promotes election transparency and accountability, which supporters argue is critical for voter trust, while critics argue that existing laws already provide sufficient oversight.
Purpose and Significance of the Amendment
Supporters of the “Ohio Voters Bill of Rights” argue that these protections would significantly improve voter access and fairness across Ohio, making the voting process simpler, safer, and more inclusive. By embedding these rights into Ohio’s constitution, proponents aim to protect against future restrictions on voting. However, opponents caution that these changes could disrupt Ohio’s current election framework and introduce additional administrative burdens, potentially affecting election outcomes or costs.
The second submission of the petition reflects proponents’ efforts to overcome legal and procedural challenges, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the measure’s appearance on the ballot. Both supporters and critics will closely watch the proposal’s journey through the certification process, as it raises important questions about the future of Ohio’s electoral landscape.
The petition can be viewed at the link here: Ohio-Voters-Bill-of-Rights-(Second-Submission).aspx