King, Hibner Explain Support for Ohio Issue 3 on WCSM’s Spectrum

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State Representative Angie King and Mercer County Republican Party Chairman Bob Hibner are encouraging Ohioans to vote yes on State Issue 3, saying the proposal would protect voter photo identification requirements from future changes in state law.

The two discussed the proposed constitutional amendment during Monday’s edition of WCSM’s Spectrum with Kevin Sandler.

Ohio already requires photo identification for in-person voting. Issue 3 would place that requirement into the Ohio Constitution, making it more difficult for a future legislative majority to eliminate it.

Hibner said that distinction is central to the party’s support. He described the amendment as a preventive measure intended to preserve current standards and maintain confidence in elections, rather than a response to widespread problems with Ohio’s voting process.

King also characterized the proposal as an additional safeguard. She compared it to having smoke detectors in a home: a precaution intended to provide protection even when incidents are uncommon.

Both guests said voters who already present an accepted, unexpired photo ID when voting in person would continue that practice.

Under the proposal, accepted identification would include an unexpired Ohio driver’s license or state identification card, a U.S. passport or passport card, and specified military, Ohio National Guard and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs identification.

For voting by mail, the amendment would allow state law to authorize verification through a signature and at least one other qualifying unique identifier as an alternative to photo identification. It would also allow an alternative verification method for voters with sincere religious objections to being photographed.

Opponents’ arguments published by the Ohio Secretary of State question the need for the amendment because photo ID is already required by law. They also raise concerns about voter access and flexibility to accommodate future identification technology. www.ohiosos.gov

During the interview, Hibner acknowledged that one of the most common questions he hears locally is why the amendment is necessary when the requirement already exists. He said supporters want the added protection of a constitutional provision.

A defeat of Issue 3 would leave Ohio’s existing voter identification law in place. If approved, the amendment would take effect immediately. The issue appears on the November 3 ballot.