2023 Election Hub · October 2, 2024

Ohio’s New Voting Laws

Ohio recently passed a bill, signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine, that brings significant changes to the state’s voting regulations. Here are the key changes that may affect your ability to make your vote count:

• Photo ID Requirement for In-Person Voting: Under the new law, Ohio voters will be required to present a valid photo ID when casting their ballots in-person. This includes early voting in-person and Election Day voting. Acceptable forms of photo ID include a current and unexpired driver’s license, state ID card, military ID (not issued by a county gov), or a passport. Eligible voters who do not possess an acceptable photo ID may obtain a free identification card from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
• ID requirements to vote early by mail have not changed. To vote by mail, voters must provide either a driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number when requesting a ballot.
• Postage ban: Prohibits officials from prepaying postage on mail-in ballots and mail-in ballot applications.
• Shortened Early Voting Period: The new law reduces the early voting period from 35 days to 28 days before Election Day (starts October 8) and eliminates in-person voting on the Monday before Election Day.
• Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is now set at noon on the Tuesday before Election Day (October 29), reducing the time available for voters to request and receive their ballots.
• Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: mail-in ballots must be received by the Board of Elections no later than 4 days after election day (November 9), reducing the time available for voters to return their ballots
• Reduced cure period: HB458 shortens the time during which voters can provide additional information, such as a valid photo ID, after voting a provisional ballot from 7 days after election day to 4.
• Limited Availability of Ballot Drop Boxes: Only one drop box is permitted per county and is only available during Board of Election business hours

Before you vote on November 5 or in the future, make sure that your voter registration is up to date, help register your friends and family, and make sure everyone has the identification they need to go to the polls or vote by mail.