COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two Republican state senators in Ohio have introduced a bill that would require residents to provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote or updating their voter registration.
Senate Bill 153, sponsored by Sen. Theresa Gavarone of Bowling Green and Sen. Andrew Brenner of Delaware, aims to “protect the integrity of Ohio’s elections,” according to the lawmakers.
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If passed, the legislation would mandate that individuals registering or updating their voter information submit documents such as a current or expired driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or naturalization form. Those with name changes would also need to provide documentation of the change.
Critics argue the measure could disenfranchise many voters. Jen Miller, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio, said the bill would make it harder for eligible Ohioans to register or remain registered.
“A lot of the changes to voter registration would mean that otherwise eligible Ohioans would struggle to remain registered to vote,” Miller said. “And that includes married women, senior citizens, people with disabilities, active-duty military, college students, and many others.”
In addition to proof of citizenship requirements, the bill proposes zoning changes for county elections and a ban on ballot drop boxes.
Miller pushed back on the drop box ban, calling it an attack on democratic access.
“Drop boxes are a secure, direct, and efficient way to get your election communications to the board of elections,” she said. “They’re 600 pounds, bolted to the ground, monitored 24/7 by video surveillance, and emptied by a Republican and a Democrat. They’re bomb and fireproof. There’s no reason to remove those drop boxes. In fact, we should have more.”
SB153 is currently under review in an Ohio Senate committee. It must pass both the Senate and House before it can move to Governor Mike DeWine for final consideration.
Despite the proposed changes, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose reported a 99.99% accuracy rate in the November 2024 General Election results
