DeWine vetoes 2 bills in Ohio, including one requiring photo ID to mail in ballots

COLUMBUS (WJW) – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed two bills, including one that would add a new requirement for absentee voters in the state.

The governor’s office announced Wednesday night that DeWine signed multiple bills into law. He also vetoed House Bill 472 and House Bill 173.

HB 472, sponsored by Ohio Rep. Jodi Salvo (R-Bolivar), would require absentee voters to include a copy of their photo identification with their ballot starting in 2027, as Nexstar’s WJW previously reported.

In a statement, DeWine said the bill is an additional burden for Ohioans who vote by mail.

He also said the bill would not add any real security, stating that Ohio’s election system is strong and is widely regarded as one of the most secure and well-administered in the U.S.

“While on paper one can make the case that there is a pathway for absentee voters to overcome the hurdles to voting that this bill creates, if the net result is that a number of voters will be deterred from making the attempt to vote, that result is hurtful — not helpful — to our efforts to include all of our citizens in the most basic act that involves them in our democratic process,” DeWine wrote. “The provision in H.B. 472 that allows for online absentee ballot applications is much needed, and I commend the Legislature for passing it. It is unfortunate that it is in a bill that I must veto.”

Meanwhile, HB 173, sponsored by State Rep. David Thomas (R-Jefferson), focuses on submetered utility services.

“The Supreme Court of Ohio has recently held that submetering companies, which buy and........

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