Ohio Ballot: Photo ID Requirement Faces Constitutional Vote

Ohio voters face a decision on Nov. 3 regarding whether to embed the state's photo ID voting requirement into the constitution. The proposal, known as Issue 3, is the only statewide measure on the ballot this cycle. While current law already mandates photo identification for in-person voting, the amendment would require a future statewide vote to change or repeal that rule.

The measure proposes adding Section 5 to Article V of the Ohio Constitution. This addition would protect House Bill 458, the 2023 law that established the current ID standards. If approved, the amendment takes effect immediately upon the final count. The change does not alter the immediate voting process for most residents but raises the legal barrier for future legislative modifications.

Under the proposed amendment, in-person voters must present an unexpired photo ID. Acceptable documents include an Ohio driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID from the Ohio National Guard, U.S. military, or Department of Veterans Affairs. Mail and absentee voters remain exempt from this specific requirement, as they continue to use the last four digits of their Social Security number to verify their identity.

Supporters include Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton. Acton, who is breaking with her party on this issue, stated, "As this doesn't change what is already law, as governor, I will support it." Ramaswamy, who pushed for the measure through an op-ed in May, added, "I truly believe it belongs in the Constitution.. to secure and make sure that the right people are voting." The legislature placed the measure on the ballot in June via Senate Joint Resolution 10.

Opponents argue the amendment is redundant and risks locking in outdated identification rules. Kathleen Clyde, chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, criticized the move, saying, "You do not protect rights by restricting how somebody exercises that right." Other opponents include Secretary of State nominee Allison Russo, State Sen. Bill DeMora, and Rep. Terrence Upchurch. Legislative Director Gary Daniels described the process as rushed and political.

Jen Miller, director of the League of Women Voters Ohio, warned that the lack of a guaranteed free ID raises concerns similar to poll taxes. She also called for more technological flexibility in how voters prove their identity. Opponents suggest the amendment signals a future reduction in early and absentee voting access, a view echoed by Gov. Mike DeWine, who vetoed a separate mail-ballot photo ID bill in June.