By a nearly unanimous vote, 31-1, the Ohio Senate approved making voter registration in the state available online.
The bill, introduced by Republican Sen. Frank LaRose of Summit County, would require the secretary of state to develop an online voter registration system using the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ database and other state records to verify a voter’s identity.
“This will be the first time in history, or recent history, that the methodology for registration has changed in such a profound way,” LaRose said. It would allow for an online system that is “accurate and secure, as well as efficient and accessible,” he said.
Applicants would have to input information matching their data with the BMV to be able to register. The system also would allow voters to declare themselves as a member of a political party, if they choose.
Sen. Michael Skindell, a Democrat from Lakewood, was the lone no vote. He opposed the bill in committee, too, and said afterward that among his concerns was the use of data collected by other state agencies as part of the database. That could create privacy concerns, he said.
The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
Even if approved, voters still would be able to register to vote via the current traditional paper forms.
Click here to read more of this story.
About Marion Online News
