Ohio Approves Photo ID Requirements for Mail-In Voting and Constitutional Amendment
Ohio's Republican-controlled legislature passed House Bill 472, which requires absentee voters to submit photo ID copies with their ballots starting in 2027, and approved a constitutional amendment to enshrine existing photo ID requirements for in-person voting. Republicans argue the measures strengthen election security, while Democrats and some election officials contend they could disenfranchise voters, particularly seniors and those with disabilities. The changes will be decided by Ohio voters in November, with President Trump's endorsement cited by supporters.
Ohio lawmakers have advanced two election-related measures: a constitutional amendment to enshrine the state's existing photo ID requirement for in-person voting, and House Bill 472, which adds new photo ID requirements for mail-in ballots effective in 2027. Under the new law, absentee voters must include a copy of valid photo ID with their returned ballots or hand-deliver them with ID presented in person. The legislation also creates an online absentee ballot portal requiring voters to upload a photo ID and photograph. Multiple exemptions exist for military members, overseas voters, people with disabilities, those with religious objections, and voters facing material obstacles to obtaining ID. Republicans frame the changes as aligning absentee voting security with in-person requirements and boosting election confidence, while Democrats and election officials warn the measures could burden older voters and those with disabilities, noting that voter fraud in Ohio remains rare.
How coverage differed
The Federalist emphasizes conservative criticism of the measures as incomplete and performative, featuring skepticism from a former election integrity activist and highlighting the mail-in ballot loophole as a major flaw. The Washington Examiner presents a more balanced account, detailing both Republican justifications and Democratic concerns, while providing specific data on voter fraud cases and noting that fraud remains rare in Ohio.
What different sources said
- Washington ExaminerRight
Ohio adds photo ID requirement for mail-in ballots in 2027
- The FederalistRight
Ohio Photo ID Constitutional Amendment Question Goes To Voters
Related
Disability Rights Groups Sue to Block New York's Medical Aid in Dying Law
Disability rights organizations filed federal lawsuits Thursday challenging New York and Illinois' medical aid in dying laws, arguing they discriminate against people with disabilities by offering death instead of support services. The New York law, set to take effect August 5, allows terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to request medication to end their lives. The plaintiffs contend the laws violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and constitutional protections by singling out disabled individuals for lethal prescriptions.
Trump and Republican allies push for House resolution to void first-term impeachments
President Trump and his Republican allies are working to pass a House resolution that would symbolically void his two first-term impeachments, according to reports confirmed by White House officials. Trump was impeached in 2019 over Ukraine pressure and in 2021 over the January 6 Capitol riot, but was acquitted both times by the Senate. The resolution would have no legal effect under the Constitution but would serve as a symbolic victory for Trump and reflect Republican control of the House.
All 28 Indian States Attend Niti Aayog Meeting for First Time, Ending Pattern of Boycotts
All 28 chief ministers of Indian states attended a Niti Aayog governing council meeting in New Delhi, marking the first time 100% attendance has been achieved at such a gathering. This represents a significant shift from previous years when states like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal boycotted or skipped the meetings due to political differences with the central government. The universal participation signals improved center-state relations and a unified commitment to India's development goals.