Ohio Supreme Court upholds new provisional ballot restrictions

Provisional ballots can only be cast at limited locations in Ohio, under new restrictions that were upheld by the state's Supreme Court on Thursday.

The court ruled 4-3 to uphold a lower court decision that blocked a challenge to the law from the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio and other voting rights groups.

The law, which was passed by the Republican-controlled legislature and signed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, requires voters who cast provisional ballots to provide a photo ID or a sworn statement that they do not have one.

The law also reduces the number of places where provisional ballots can be cast to one per county. Previously, provisional ballots could be cast at any polling place in the county.

The ACLU of Ohio argued that the law is unconstitutional because it makes it more difficult for people to vote, particularly people of color and people with disabilities.

The court, however, found that the law does not violate the Ohio Constitution because it does not create an undue burden on the right to vote.

The court also found that the law is narrowly tailored to prevent voter fraud.

The ACLU of Ohio said it is disappointed by the court's decision and is considering its legal options.

Voting rights advocates have criticized the law, saying that it will make it more difficult for people to vote, particularly people of color and people with disabilities.

The law is similar to laws in other states that have been challenged in court.

In 2021, the Supreme Court upheld an Arizona law that required voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote.

The court also upheld an Indiana law that required voters to show a photo ID at the polls.