Ohio House Approves Elections Legislation

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) today announced the House concurred with Senate amendments on legislation that protects Ohio’s elections. House Bill 272 will prohibit a public official from interfering with an election.

“This legislation eliminates possible confusion and will ensure Ohioans are able to cast their ballots in-person on Election Day,” said Abrams.

The bill contains similar language to Abrams’ Bill, House Bill 680, which passed the House in June. Under the bill, no public official can cause an election to be conducted other than in the time, place, and manner prescribed by current law. A public official means any elected or appointed officer, employee, or agent of the state or any political subdivision, board, commission, bureau, or other public body established by law.

H.B. 272 was originally introduced to extend Ohio’s court jurisdiction to allow Ohioans to hold out-of-state individuals or companies accountable for the damage of harm they cause to Ohioans. The bill was amended on the Senate floor to include the elections provision.

“Every Ohioan deserves confidence in knowing how our elections will be run, and that they will be able to vote in-person on Election Day,” added Abrams.

The legislation now heads to Governor DeWine for consideration.