Ohio Senate passes amendment to make voter photo ID

The Ohio Senate has passed a measure that would allow voters to decide whether to permanently add a photo identification requirement for in-person voting to the state constitution. The resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 10, passed on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, and now advances to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration.

The proposal would not create a new rule, as Ohio law has required photo ID for in-person voting since 2023. Instead, it seeks to elevate the existing statutory requirement to constitutional status, a move supporters argue is necessary to protect it from future legislative repeal. Republicans cited the example of Virginia, which repealed its photo ID law in 2020 after a single seat changed hands in its General Assembly. State Senator Jane Timken argued the amendment is about ensuring long-term election security, stating that photo ID helps secure the principle of one person, one vote.

The Senate vote was 22 to 9, with all Democrats present voting against the measure. Democratic opponents argued the amendment is unnecessary and politically motivated. State Senator Bill DeMora said the resolution does not protect Ohioans because the requirement is...