Poll finds voters support for voter ID constitutional amendment
As early voting kicks off for the Nov. 3 election, a new poll suggests overwhelming support for a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would require a photo ID to vote.
A Suffolk University/USA TODAY Network Ohio statewide poll of 500 likely voters found 61% favored Issue 3, while 31% opposed it. The survey, conducted Sept. 23-27 via “live telephone interviews,” has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4%.
Ohio law requires photo identification for in-person voting, so approving the amendment would not lead to an immediate, noticeable change. However, enshrining the requirement in the state constitution makes it harder for future lawmakers to alter or eliminate it.
“It doesn’t really change how we would go about voting,” Sam Nelson, a University of Toledo associate professor of political science and public administration, told WTOL. “It’s not going to change the ID requirement. It just locks it into the state constitution in a way that a future legislature can’t roll it back or change it.”
Per state law, Buckeye State voters can use any number of items for identification, including a U.S. passport or passport card, U.S. military or military dependent identification, and a current Ohio driver’s license.
The proposed amendment would essentially preserve the list of acceptable identification. It also allows lawmakers to maintain an exemption for voters with a sincere religious objection to being photographed.
Although it includes language addressing voters who do not cast their ballots in person, Issue 3 would allow state law to let mail voters use a signature and at least one other unique identifier instead of photo identification.
An argument for a “no” vote prepared by Sen. Bill DeMora, D-Columbus, and Reps. Desiree Tims, D-Dayton, and Terrence Upchurch, D-Cleveland, and disseminated by the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office argued that the amendment is unneeded and unpopular.
Oct. 5 marked the last day to register to vote in next month’s election.
“Ohioans can head into this election with confidence knowing our elections are both secure and convenient,” Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said in a release.
“Whether you vote early in person, by mail, or at your polling place on Election Day, there are plenty of opportunities to make your voice heard,” LaRose added. “This is an important election, so make a plan, cast your ballot, and be part of deciding Ohio’s future.”
The survey also found that Democrat Amy Acton holds a slight lead, within the margin of error, over Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the gubernatorial race, and Democrat Sherrod Brown leads Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted.
