Ohio's Mail-In Ballot Policy Shift
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has enacted new voting restrictions that eliminate the state's four-day grace period for absentee ballots. The governor described his decision as reluctant, pointing to ongoing legal uncertainties that could create confusion during upcoming elections.
"I believe that this four-day grace period is reasonable, and I think for many reasons it makes a lot of sense," DeWine told reporters. "Therefore, I normally would veto a repeal of this four-day grace period. And, frankly, that's what I wish I could do."
The governor explained that his decision was influenced by a Mississippi case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, with a ruling expected next summer. The case involves whether states can count ballots arriving after Election Day.
"No one knows how the Supreme Court will rule," DeWine said. "However, if the court in late June upholds the 5th Circuit case and Ohio's grace period for counting late ballots is still in effect, the election situation in Ohio would be chaotic."
National Context and Local Opposition
With this change, only 14 states now accept mailed ballots received after Election Day, provided they are postmarked by that date. Many states, including Ohio, maintain exceptions for specific groups such as overseas residents and military personnel.
Democratic lawmakers and voting rights advocates had urged DeWine to veto the legislation. State Representative Christine Cockley expressed concerns about the bill's broader implications.
"The bill puts thousands of voters at risk of having their ballots not counted simply because of mail issues, and it could cancel registrations for many, including women who might have changed their last names or newly naturalized citizens," Cockley stated. "Our efforts should be on making it easier for people to participate in our democracy, not harder."
Despite post-election audits consistently showing accurate vote counts in Ohio, Republican legislators continue to modify election laws. The Election Transparency Initiative, a conservative group, praised the governor's action.
"By passing SB 293, Ohio lawmakers stood with the majority of states nationwide in affirming that Election Day should be treated as Election Day — a commonsense standard that strengthens trust in our elections," said Ken Cuccinelli, the group's national chairman.
