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Ohio’s New Voter Identification Law Faces Legal Challenges

Provisional Ballots and the Importance of Voter Identification

Ohio's new voter identification law, which requires voters to show a photo ID at the polls, is facing legal challenges from civil rights groups who argue that it will disproportionately affect minority voters.

The law, which was passed by the Republican-controlled state legislature and signed by Governor Mike DeWine in March 2023, is one of the strictest voter ID laws in the country.

Under the new law, voters must show a photo ID that has been issued by the state of Ohio or the federal government. The ID must include the voter's name, address, and a recent photograph.

Provisional Ballots: An Option for Voters Without ID

Voters who do not have a photo ID can still vote by provisional ballot. However, provisional ballots are not counted until the voter's identity and eligibility have been verified.

In the 2020 election, more than 200,000 provisional ballots were cast in Ohio. Of those ballots, only about 60% were ultimately counted.

Critics of the new law argue that it will make it more difficult for minority voters to cast a ballot. They point to studies that have shown that minority voters are less likely to have a photo ID than white voters.

For example, a study by the Brennan Center for Justice found that 25% of Black voters and 18% of Hispanic voters do not have a photo ID, compared to 8% of white voters.

Supporters of the new law argue that it is necessary to prevent voter fraud. They point to cases of voter fraud that have occurred in other states.

However, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Ohio. In fact, a study by the Ohio Secretary of State's office found that there were only 20 credible cases of voter fraud in the 2020 election.

The new law is currently being challenged in court. A federal judge has blocked the law from taking effect, but the state is appealing the decision.

The outcome of the legal challenges will likely determine whether the new law will be in effect for the 2024 election.