A constitutional requirement for photo ID to vote is common-sense and popular. The time for Ohio to act is now.
In 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked what kind of government America had: “A Republic, if you can keep it.” In Ohio, we intend to.
That’s why we require our citizens to show a photo ID before voting. But that requirement is fragile; captured only in the legislative code, and subject to the whims of state lawmakers, judges and the political winds that blow them in. To truly protect our voter identification laws, we must enshrine them in our state constitution. Fortunately, We the People have both the power and the political will to do just that.
The case for permanence
The time to act is now. Public faith in elections is at an all-time low. In the 2024 election cycle, a majority of voters believed that their votes would be counted less than “very accurately.” If the government is not trusted by the citizens for whom it exists and in whom all political power resides, it has lost its credibility and authority.
Voter ID laws can restore this trust.
President Donald Trump, to his credit, has recognized both this problem and its solution. He’s championed the SAVE America Act, which would prevent voter fraud and strengthen faith in America’s elections. Under the law, voters would be required to present their government-issued photo ID before casting their ballot, just as millions of Americans are required to present photo ID before renting a car or flying on an airplane.
The SAVE America Act is a welcome proposal. And with certain Democrats crossing the aisle to vote in favor, it stands a chance of passing despite Sen. Chuck Schumer’s filibuster. But those of us here in Ohio should not be forced to wait.
Now is the time to finish the job and enshrine voter ID into our constitution. If Washington D.C. can’t pass the SAVE America Act, Ohio should achieve its common-sense objectives on our own terms. That is why I am calling on the Ohio General Assembly to give the people the opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment that will enshrine voter ID for generations to come.
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