ACLU of Ohio Applauds Veto of HB 472 by Governor DeWine, Protecting Privacy Rights and Absentee Voting

Columbus, OH – Late yesterday, Governor DeWine vetoed House Bill 472, anti-voter legislation that would strip access to vote-by-mail and put the privacy of Ohioans at risk by requiring photo ID to vote absentee. HB 472 began as a nonpartisan piece of legislation addressing fees for birth certificates and IDs for homeless individuals, but in a last-minute maneuver, lawmakers hijacked this straightforward bill to include vague language creating a photo ID verification portal and/or requiring Ohio voters to submit a photocopy of their drivers’ license when voting by mail. The ACLU of Ohio was a vocal opponent of HB 472 and repeatedly called on Governor DeWine to veto.

“We commend Governor DeWine’s decision to veto House Bill 472, taking bold action to protect our state’s mail-in ballot process and Ohioans’ right to privacy. This legislation was an unfounded and unnecessary attack on absentee voting, brazenly rushed through the Ohio General Assembly at the 11th hour. By vetoing HB 472, Governor DeWine not only safeguarded Ohio voters and Boards of Elections from burdensome, complicated absentee voting restrictions, but also sent a clear message to lawmakers that we the people deserve better. Statewide, Ohioans are facing real, tangible issues, and tainting our democratic process solves absolutely none of them. Today’s veto is a reminder that our right to vote is sacred, and the ACLU of Ohio will always have a watchful eye on those who attempt to threaten it.”
-Collin Marozzi, Advocacy Director