Guest Column from State Representative Steve Hambley: Online Voter Registration

In our continually changing technological age it is becoming easier to register online for almost everything.  From signing up to run a 5K race to ordering prescriptions, the internet is revolutionizing the way we live our lives. Ohio is soon to add one more thing to this list of online conveniences – voter registration.

Online voter registration is the next step in modernizing Ohio’s electoral system and will provide a secure and convenient process for Ohio’s residents. Senate Bill 63 was recently signed by the governor and will allow for voter registration from the convenience of your own home. There will no longer be the need to pay for postage or work within the hours of operation of the Board of Elections when registering to vote.

The Ohio Constitution requires registration no later than 30 days before Election Day. Online registration will provide a means of helping voters get registered within this timeframe and will be far more accessible and convenient for veterans than the current system. In addition to the ease of registering online, this system will also save taxpayer dollars. An analysis of other states that use online voter registration shows that 50 cents to $2.34 is saved per registration compared to the traditional paper format.

Each online applicant is required to provide their name, address, date of birth, the last four digits of their Social Security number and Ohio Driver’s License or state identification card number. This information is then checked against the BMV’s data to ensure eligibility and create accurate voter rolls. The Ohio Secretary of State is also required to annually review the voting roster to ensure the rolls are up to date and to detect any potential fraud. The new system will also reduce human error when transcribing handwritten forms.

Senate Bill 63 is a common sense reform that has long been due. This legislation will encourage voter participation, improve accuracy, and provide a more efficient and convenient means to register. I am excited to see it put in place as early as January 2017. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at Rep69@ohiohouse.gov or 614-466-8140.