Butler County voters heading to the polls Nov. 3 will decide whether to write Ohio's existing photo ID requirement into the state constitution.

State Issue 3, a proposed constitutional amendment from the Ohio General Assembly, would not create a new voter ID rule. Ohio already requires government-issued photo ID at the polls under a 2023 law, House Bill 458 (HB 458). The amendment would move that requirement into the Ohio Constitution, making it far harder for future lawmakers to change or repeal, according to WTOL 11.

The amendment needs a simple majority to pass. If approved, it takes effect immediately.

What counts as valid ID

Under both current law and Issue 3, voters casting ballots in person must show one of these unexpired, government-issued photo IDs:

  • Ohio driver's license or state ID card, including a temporary BMV document issued while waiting for the permanent card
  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • U.S. military ID
  • Ohio National Guard ID
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID

Mobile driver's licenses do not qualify, according to the League of Women Voters of Ohio. An old address on the ID does not disqualify it.

Voters who show up without acceptable ID can cast a provisional ballot. They then have four days after Election Day to bring proper identification to the Butler County Board of Elections for the vote to count.

Under current law, voters with a sincere religious objection to being photographed may use the last four digits of their Social Security number and sign an affidavit. The proposed amendment would preserve an alternative verification process for those voters.

What changes for absentee voters

Issue 3 would also place ID requirements for absentee voters in the constitution. Under current law, absentee-ballot applications can use a driver's license number, the last four digits of a Social Security number, or a photo ID copy. The amendment would require photo ID for mail-in voting unless state law authorizes a signature plus at least one other unique identifier instead, WTOL 11 reported.

The arguments

State Reps. Adam Bird and Heidi Workman, along with State Sens. Theresa Gavarone and Jane Timken, submitted the official argument in favor. They argued the amendment would protect voters from "imposters seeking to steal their vote" and called it a commonsense step, according to WLWT.

On the other side, State Sen. Bill DeMora and State Rep. Desiré Tims argued the amendment is unnecessary because Ohio already requires photo ID. Opponents say locking the ID list into the constitution could make it harder to update acceptable forms of identification as technology changes. The ACLU of Ohio pointed to a specific example: federal military IDs are now issued digitally, and the Secretary of State has allowed them under current law, but the constitutional language requiring a "card" could create legal uncertainty.

Nicole Unzicker, director of the Butler County Board of Elections, told WVXU in an Oct. 12 interview that she is confident in the county's election security. "Ohio does it right," Unzicker said. "We do feel we have a great security around our elections — that they're fair, safe and accurate because of these processes that are in place and have been in place for quite some time."

Yes or no

A "yes" vote writes the photo ID requirement into the Ohio Constitution. Changing it later would require another voter-approved constitutional amendment.

A "no" vote keeps the status quo. Ohio's current photo ID law stays in effect, and state lawmakers retain the ability to adjust ID requirements through the normal legislative process.

West Chester and Liberty Township residents can vote early in person at the Butler County Board of Elections or at their assigned polling location on Nov. 3.