Ohio Governor DeWine Vetoes Photo ID Mail-In Ballot Bill

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a Republican-backed bill late Wednesday that would have required voters to submit a copy of a photo ID to cast a mail-in ballot, calling the measure an unnecessary burden that would not improve election security. The governor’s action blocks House Bill 472, which had passed the legislature earlier this month along party lines and would have taken effect for the November 2027 election.

In a detailed veto statement, DeWine argued the bill would create significant logistical hurdles for voters, particularly seniors, individuals in long-term care, voters with mobility challenges, and those with limited technology access. He cited concerns raised by the bipartisan Ohio Association of Election Officials. “House Bill 472 would not discourage fraud, would not add any real security, and would create an additional and significant burden for Ohioans who vote by mail,” DeWine wrote. “This bill is all burden for so little benefit.” He praised Ohio’s existing election administration, referencing Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s description of the state’s system as a “gold standard.”

The vetoed legislation would have required absentee voters to provide a copy...