Ohioans would see a shorter early voting period under a proposal Tuesday that cleared the Senate in this traditionally presidential swing state. The Republican-led Senate voted 23-10 along party lines to pass the plan, despite Democrats’ objections that parts of the bill could lead to longer lines and discourage people from participating in elections.
Supporters argue they are addressing inconsistencies in the law and want to help county officials save money at a time when they’re struggling to balance budgets. Voters would have 21 days to vote by mail and could cast a ballot in person 16 days before Election Day. That’s down from the current 35-day early voting period.
The measure gets rid of a disputed five-day period in which new voters can register and then immediately cast a ballot. Though, it also gives people a chance to register and change their addresses online.
The GOP-controlled House recently passed a similar proposal, though the two bills differ on the length of the early voting period and a handful of other provisions.
Under the House bill, a voter couldn’t vote in person until 10 days prior to the election. It also changes the state’s presidential primary from March to May, and eliminates a requirement that poll workers direct a voter who is in the wrong precinct to the correct precinct.
Full Article: Ohio Senate OKs shortened period of early voting.