Rep. David Thomas Applauds Passage of Resolution Aimed at Strengthening Elections by Placing Voter ID Requirements in the State Constitution

State Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson) last week voted on a joint resolution to strengthen Ohio’s election process, which would put a constitutional amendment before the voters this fall to enshrine Ohio's Photo Voter ID laws in the state's Constitution. 

Senate Joint Resolution 10 would require Ohioans to provide photo identification when voting. The resolution specifies what constitutes a valid identification—specifically requiring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification.

“It is important for the voters to place Photo ID into Ohio’s constitution to protect our election integrity. While this is current law, the future may bring a governor or secretary of state who wants to make our elections less safe and we cannot allow that. I think this is a great step to keeping Ohio the best in the nation for our elections,” said Representative David Thomas.

Current Ohio law requires voters to provide photo identification, as approved through the Legislature in December 2022. Current law also allows Ohioans aged 17 and older to obtain initial and renewed state ID cards at no cost.

With last week’s vote and the adoption of the resolution, the question will appear on the November ballot.

Voter ID for Mail-In Voting

Rep. Thomas also voted in support of legislation that further strengthens election integrity by adding photo ID requirements for mail-in absentee voting, ensuring that the requirements for in-person voters match those for mail-in voters. 

Through House Bill 472, mail-in absentee voters have multiple opportunities to verify their identity: when requesting a ballot, when returning their voted ballot, or during the existing four-day cure period after Election Day. The bill also modernizes the process by creating an online portal where voters can request absentee ballots and securely submit photo ID. 

Accepted forms of identification include an Ohio driver’s license or state ID, U.S. passport, military or National Guard ID, and Department of Veterans Affairs ID card. 

EXEMPTIONS: Reasonable exemptions are maintained for voters with sincere religious objections, military and overseas voters, and those with severe medical and mobility issues.

Representative David Thomas also said, “I think it is important that the Legislature simultaneously passed HB 472 which requires photo ID for mail in ballots. This closes many potential loopholes and helps safeguard our elections.” 

House Bill 472 awaits consideration by the Governor.