Ohio voters are deciding whether to lock photo-ID requirements into the state Constitution through Issue 3, the only statewide ballot measure on the Nov. 3 ballot. Polls close at 7:30 p.m.

Election results are pending. This article will be updated as election officials release vote totals.

The measure would not change what ID voters need to bring to the polls. Ohio already requires government-issued photo ID for in-person voting under a 2023 law (House Bill 458). Issue 3 would move that requirement into the Constitution, making it harder to repeal.

The Clermont County Board of Elections posted the official ballot language and arguments for and against the amendment ahead of the election. The Secretary of State's certified materials include the full proposal text.

Local early voting surged

Voters across Hamilton, Warren and Clermont counties turned out for early voting in large numbers, WVXU reported.

In Warren County, Board of Elections Director Brian Sleeth said more than 32,000 people voted early in person. That is close to double the 18,000 who voted early in person in 2022. Sleeth warned voters to check their licenses before heading to the polls.

"Check your license before you go out on Tuesday. We have seen in early voting many, many people with expired licenses that decided to leave the line and go to the BMV and come back," Sleeth said.

In Clermont County, Deputy Director of Elections Chris Dennison said more than 19,000 voters cast early ballots in person, a 123% increase from the 8,500 who did so in 2022. Dennison predicted overall turnout could reach 65%, compared to the usual 55%.

Hamilton County Elections Director Sherry Poland said about 77,000 people voted early, a record for a midterm. She said she expects about 50% turnout overall.

What a yes or no vote means

A yes vote approves the constitutional amendment. A no vote rejects it and leaves the existing photo-ID requirement in state law, where lawmakers could change it without a statewide vote.

If approved, the amendment takes effect immediately. Changing it later would require another constitutional amendment approved by voters, according to WTOL.

What IDs qualify

The amendment lists these approved documents, which must include the voter's name and photo and be unexpired:

  • Ohio driver's license or state ID card
  • Qualifying temporary BMV document
  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • U.S. military ID
  • Ohio National Guard ID
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID

Ohio digital driver’s licenses stored in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet are not accepted for voting, according to the Secretary of State's voter-ID guide. Voters must bring a physical ID.

Absentee voting rules

For voters who do not vote in person, the amendment would require photo ID or, if state law authorizes it, a signature plus at least one other unique identifier such as a driver's license number or last four digits of a Social Security number. Current law already allows those alternatives.

The amendment permits lawmakers to keep that alternative process but does not guarantee it. The legislature could tighten absentee ID requirements without another constitutional vote.

Separately, a new state law (Senate Bill 293) eliminated the previous four-day grace period for receiving absentee ballots after Election Day. Most mail-in ballots must arrive by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 to be counted.

Arguments for and against

The official argument in support, prepared by Rep. Adam Bird, Rep. Heidi Workman, Sen. Theresa Gavarone and Sen. Jane Timken, said constitutional protection would deter impersonation and prevent future legislatures from repealing the requirement. Supporters also said free state ID cards are available to eligible residents.

Sen. Jane Timken (R-Jackson Township) said in a June news release that AI makes constitutional protection essential, as reported by Fox 8.

The official argument against, prepared by Sen. Bill DeMora and Reps. Desiree Tims and Terrence Upchurch, called the amendment unnecessary. Opponents said it reduces flexibility to update ID rules as technology changes and lacks guarantees for absentee voting, early voting and free state IDs.

The ACLU of Ohio opposes Issue 3. Both gubernatorial candidates, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton, support it, according to Fox 8.

Where to find results

Check the Secretary of State's election website for statewide returns and the county results directory for Hamilton, Clermont and Warren county figures. Election-night totals remain unofficial until certified.