Skip to content

Know Your New Voting Requirements

Know Your New Voting Requirements

April 18, 2023

Guest column by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose

Know Your New Voting Requirements

As a result of legislation passed by the Ohio General Assembly in December, new voting requirements are now in effect for the May 2 primary. Under the new law, in-person voters are now required to provide an Ohio or federally issued photo ID (state driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID) to cast their ballot.  While a survey of our county boards of elections found that 98% of Ohioans already use photo ID to vote in person, voters without one can now obtain a free state ID card at any Ohio BMV location. Registered voters who have no acceptable form of photo ID and who do not wish to obtain a free one can also choose to vote absentee – where they are simply required to provide the last four digits of their Social Security Number. It is my hope that the entrepreneurs, job creators, and the small business owners of the NFIB can help share these changes with their members to ensure that Ohioans’ will have their voices heard on May 2. There has been an erosion of confidence in American elections in recent years, and the overwhelming majority of Ohioans support strong photo ID laws to prevent voter fraud.  The new law will strengthen the myriad voter security measures Ohio already has in place and ensure that Ohio remains a state where it’s easy to vote but hard to cheat. Also of note, at the request of our bipartisan county board of election officials, the new law removes the Monday before Election Day from the early voting calendar so boards may better prepare for Tuesday elections. In my role as Ohio’s Secretary of State, I have reallocated those early voting hours to more convenient days leading up to Election Day, when more Ohioans can utilize them. Finally, the new law allows any 17-year-old to serve as a poll worker. This is a great opportunity for young Ohioans who aren’t yet able to vote to participate in our democracy and learn about Ohio’s electoral process. Frank LaRose Ohio Secretary of State
Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

February 12, 2025
Ohio’s Small Businesses Congratulate Jim Tressel on Lt. Gover…
The Ohio Legislature confirmed Tressel today
Read More
February 3, 2025
Vermont Capitol Update
In his budget address and other public comments, Governor Phil Scott called…
Read More
February 3, 2025
NY Capitol Update: 2025 Executive Budget Proposal
The state has estimated budget gaps of $6.5 billion in 2027, $9.8 billion i…
Read More
February 3, 2025
Register Today: NFIB Ohio’s 2025 Legislative Reception
The reception will take place on Feb. 11, 2025.
Read More

© 2001 - 2025 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility