(COLUMBUS)—The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio thanks Governor John Kasich for vetoing a provision of House Bill 53 that required individuals who have an out-of-state driver’s license or vehicle registration and registered to vote in Ohio, to obtain an Ohio driver’s license and vehicle registration. In particular, the provision would have severely impacted a significant number of out-of-state students who register to vote in Ohio.

“Kudos to Governor Kasich for eliminating what would have essentially been a poll tax for these voters,” said Mike Brickner, senior policy director. “Our democracy works better if all eligible voters are allowed to participate, including out-of-state students who come to attend Ohio’s universities and colleges. This controversial residency provision was bad for voters and bad for the state and we are glad that Governor Kasich took action to strike it from the law.”

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