In this Daily Signal article, Rebecca Downs reports that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed House Bill 472, which would have required photo ID verification for mail-in ballots, sparking strong backlash from Republican leaders who vow to press forward with election integrity reforms.
- DeWine claimed the measure would not discourage fraud, would add little security, and would impose significant burdens on mail-in voters, including seniors, those in long-term care, and individuals with mobility or technology challenges.
- Heritage Action’s Stephanie Kreuz called the veto a “betrayal” to Ohio voters, accusing DeWine of siding with radical leftists over common-sense protections that make it easy to vote and hard to cheat.
- Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman expressed disappointment despite strong GOP support in the legislature, noting plans to review DeWine’s concerns and pursue next steps to safeguard elections.
- Senate President Rob McColley highlighted broad voter support for photo ID, contrasting DeWine’s stance with Democrat-led states repealing similar laws, and emphasized combining the bill with a November constitutional amendment.
- Secretary of State Frank LaRose, an advocate for strict photo ID and online absentee applications, publicly stated he had assured DeWine the bill could be implemented effectively.
- Republican nominee for Secretary of State Robert Sprague pledged to work with the legislature and a potential Gov. Vivek Ramaswamy to secure all forms of voting and prosecute fraud.
- Ramaswamy and President Trump have urged support for the November ballot initiative to enshrine photo ID requirements in the Ohio Constitution, applicable to all ballots including mail-in.
- Recent polling shows strong Ohio voter backing for voter ID, including for mail-in ballots, underscoring public demand amid ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s election system.
Read the full story:
https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/06/25/dewine-voter-id-mail-in-ballots/
