Young's Legislation Will Change Ballot Printing Law

COLUMBUS — State Representative Tom Young (R-Washington Twp.) and the Ohio House of Representatives voted in favor of House Bill 487 Wednesday. The Legislation will make changes to current ballot printing and contract law in Ohio, to include out-of-state printing. 

“It has been 40 years since a change in ballot printing law,” said Young. “The world is not same it was, so it is time that ballot law change with the times. This legislation will benefit local boards through by providing the flexibility they need, save the taxpayers money and provide better ballot security by offering the contract to the best company.”  

House Bill 487 will improve the following ballot issues: 

·         Enhances the ability for request for proposal to be distributed to potential vendors rather than just through local newspapers by expanding to electronic media;

·         Opens request for proposal process to companies outside of Ohio; 

·         Reduces cost to taxpayer and county boards of election;

·         Creates the ability to have more control and security over the ballot printing process.

The legislation will also increase the amount of time a notice must be published to 15 days. 

Lastly, HB 487 will change the performance bond requirement from 200% of the bid amount to a 10% bond proposal of the bid amount.   

House Bill 487 will now head to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.