Ohioans would be able to register to vote online under legislation being considered at the Ohio Statehouse.
Sen. Frank LaRose, a Copley Republican, introduced a bill Wednesday requiring the secretary of state to set up an online registration system as an option for new voters. LaRose’s bill has Republican and Democratic cosponsors. Similar legislation was introduced last week in the House by Rep. Michael Stinziano, a Columbus Democrat. LaRose and Stinziano introduced online registration bills last year.
“Online voter registration will improve the accuracy of our voter records, reduce the potential for fraud and protect voter privacy, all while reducing costs to the taxpayer,” LaRose said in a statement. “Most importantly, online registration will be more convenient for Ohio’s citizens, thus increasing citizens’ access to the ballot box, which is a victory for good government and a victory for democracy.”
Secretary of State Jon Husted has been lobbying lawmakers to approve the change, but his fellow Republican leaders in the House and Senate have been unwilling to move legislation. Husted has said would make registration more secure and accurate than using paper forms. Currently, Ohio registered voters can update their address online through the secretary of state’s website.
The idea is also endorsed by the bipartisan Ohio Association of Elections Officials.
To register online, Ohioans would have to provide their Ohio driver’s license or state-issued ID number. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles would then transfer the signature on file for the card to the secretary of state’s office to serve as the voter’s signature.
Ohio would join 24 states that have passed online voter registration laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
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