Disability Rights Ohio is mandated by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (PL 107-252) to advocate for the rights of Ohio voters with disabilities and to assist the Secretary of State in fulfilling the Secretary's obligations to those voters under the federal law. Through this program, Disability Rights Ohio:
- educates individuals, communities, poll workers, and boards of election about the voting rights of people with disabilities;
- monitors and investigates complaints about polling place accessibility and privacy;
- collaborates with other voting rights advocates for systemic change for people with disabilities;
- participates in the implementation of provisions of the Help America Vote Act affecting people with disabilities; and
- assists and represents individual voters in state-based administrative grievance processes.
This section provides information about voter rights and assistance for people with disabilities.
OHIO'S NEW ELECTION LAW:
In early 2023, a new law was enacted that made changes to Ohio's voter ID requirements, early voting time periods, and Election Day voting options.
Acceptable forms of ID requried to vote under this new law are:
- Ohio Drivers' License
- State-issued Veteran ID
- US Passport
- State of Ohio ID
Forms of ID that are no longer considered acceptable include:
- Utility Bill
- Bank Statement
- County-issued Veteran ID
- Paycheck
- Other Government Documents
FACTSHEET: Ohio's New Voter ID Requirements
Obtaining State ID Cards in Ohio
Ohio State Identification Cards are one form of acceptable identification that Ohio voters can use when voting in person. State IDs are an option for Ohioans who do not have a drivers’ license, military ID, or US Passport. You can obtain a State ID at an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Office, or BMV.
To see if you need a State ID to vote in Ohio under SB 458, the ACLU of Ohio created a helpful flowchart: https://www.acluohio.org/en/publications/hb-458-ohios-new-strict-voter-id-law
To obtain a State ID Card in Ohio applicants must show documents that provide proof of:
1. Full legal name
2. Date of birth
3. Legal presence in the US
4. Social Security number (SSN)
5. Ohio street address – TWO documents, from different sources, proving Ohio street address that are listed on the Acceptable Document List are required for proof of Ohio residency.
6. Proof of name change (if applicable)
List of acceptable documents to obtain state ID: https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/static/bmv2430.pdf
Interactive checklist of acceptable documents: https://bmvonline.dps.ohio.gov/bmvonline/Home/documents/compliantdocuments/
New Ohio Residents: the process for obtaining a state ID is the same. New Ohioans should bring acceptable documents and their out of state ID (if they have one) to the BMV.
Currently, State IDs cost $10 for 4 year compliance, or $19 for 8 year compliance.
Beginning April 7, 2023, State ID cards will be free for Ohioans over the age of 17 who do not already have a drivers’ license.
You can find your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles here: https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/local-office
FACTSHEET: Obtaining a State-Issued ID in Ohio
These requirements are for an enhanced ID that complies with the enhanced federal standards for air travel ID. For a standard ID card (NOT compliant with air travel requirements), you only need to show one document that provides your Ohio street address. The enhanced ID will be required for air travel in May 2025
PLAN YOUR VOTE:
10/28: Special Situations and Transportation
10/21: Your Rights At The Polls
10/15: Ohio's Remote Ballot Marking System
10/6: Casting Your Ballot Safely
Plain Language Voting Help
What is Disability Rights Ohio?
How Can DRO Help Me If I Have Trouble Voting?
Who Has the Right to Vote in Ohio?
Will COVID-19 Affect My Right to Vote?
How Do I Get Registered and Ready to Vote?
What Kind of Help Can I Get When I go to Vote at the Polls?
Additional Resources
The Ohio Secretary of State's voter resource page: MyOhioVotes.com
Forms to request to use Ohio's remote absentee ballot marking tool for voters with vision impairments and other print disabilities: PDF version | HTML version
Individuals with Disabilities and Voting: The Glancy Consent Order