After initially rejecting Secretary of State Jon Husted’s request for $1.25 million to mail absentee-ballot applications statewide in 2016, Ohio lawmakers will include the measure in the two-year budget. Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, said Wednesday that lawmakers were still “vetting” the budget rolled out by House Republicans the day before. But Rosenberger’s office announced yesterday the funding will be added. “We want to give Ohioans as much opportunity to vote as possible, and this amendment will help accomplish that,” Rosenberger said in a news release.
Husted commended the Ohio House for adding the funding.
“Encouraging voters to cast absentee ballots reduces the chance of long lines at the polls on Election Day and will help ensure Ohio is prepared to run another smooth presidential election,” Husted said.
Full Article: Money for absentee ballot applications added to proposed state budget | The Columbus Dispatch.