Ohioans would be able to register to vote online under legislation being considered at the Ohio Statehouse. Sen. Frank LaRose, a Copley Republican, introduced a bill Wednesday requiring the secretary of state to set up an online voter registration system as an option to filling out paper forms. LaRose’s bill has Republican and Democratic cosponsors. Similar legislation was introduced last week in the House by Rep. Michael Stinziano, a Columbus Democrat. LaRose and Stinziano introduced online registration bills last year. “Online voter registration will improve the accuracy of our voter records, reduce the potential for fraud and protect voter privacy, all while reducing costs to the taxpayer,” LaRose said in a statement. “Most importantly, online registration will be more convenient for Ohio’s citizens, thus increasing citizens’ access to the ballot box, which is a victory for good government and a victory for democracy.”
Secretary of State Jon Husted has been lobbying lawmakers to approve the change, but his fellow Republican leaders in the House and Senate have been unwilling to move legislation. Husted has said would make registration more secure and accurate than using paper forms. Currently, Ohio registered voters can update their address online through the secretary of state’s website.
“Online registration is an important election reform supported by Democrats and Republicans across the nation,” Husted said in a statement. “It is time for Ohio to get it done.”
Full Article: Online voter registration would save money, reduce errors, Ohio officials say | cleveland.com.