The state Senate made major reforms to where, when and how Ohio’s 8 million registered voters may cast ballots and moved the 2012 presidential primary from March to May.
The Senate voted 23-10 along party lines in favor of a plan that shortens the in-person early voting period from 35 days to 17 days before Election Day, but eliminates Sundays, Saturday afternoons and the Monday before Election Day.
Moving the primary to May likely will make Ohio a non-player in the race to name presidential candidates.
… Democrats opposed parts of the election reform bill, particularly the shortening of the early voting period. Roughly, one-third of Ohio voters cast early ballots in-person or by mail.
The bill also bars local boards of elections from mailing unsolicited applications for absentee ballots and providing return postage for absentee ballots. Also, poll workers will no longer be required to direct voters to their correct precincts.
The Senate delayed action on a bill that would require voters to present state-issued photo ID or driver’s license to vote in-person. Senate President Tom Niehaus, R-New Richmond, said that bill wasn’t ready and senators needed more time to understand it.
Full Article: Bill would mean fewer days to vote early.