Amy Acton Breaks With Democrats to Back Ohio Voter-ID Constitutional Amendment

Democratic-affiliated gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton announced she will support Issue 3, a constitutional amendment that would enshrine Ohio’s existing photo-ID voting requirement. The measure is slated for the November ballot and would make the current law harder to repeal, although it would have no immediate effect on voting procedures.

Columbus Dispatch

The amendment originated from Senate Joint Resolution 10, which placed Issue 3 on the ballot after Republican lawmakers voted to advance it in June. All Democrats who voted on the resolution opposed it, and a handful who were present abstained on July 21. The amendment’s proponents argue that constitutional protection will safeguard the law against future legal challenges, while opponents view it as an unnecessary entrenchment of a policy already in force.

Amy Acton backs Issue 3, the voter ID amendment, breaking with Ohio Democrats

Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy framed the amendment as a “necessary step,” contending that state statutes alone do not provide sufficient protection and citing repeals of voter-ID laws in other states as cautionary examples.

Columbus Dispatch

Democratic critics argue the amendment is flawed and politically motivated. State Rep. Allison Russo described it as “highly flawed” and lacking key voter protections. Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde called the measure an “unnecessary constitutional amendment,” warning that it would waste time and money on a policy already covered by existing law.

Columbus Dispatch

Polling cited by the Pew Research Center shows roughly 95 % of Republicans and 71 % of Democrats favor requiring a government-issued photo ID to vote. Republicans maintain the amendment will strengthen Ohio’s legal defense of the voter-ID rule, while Democrats contend it is a partisan effort to cement a barrier that already exists.

Amy Acton backs Issue 3, the voter ID amendment, breaking with Ohio Democrats

• “This amendment has overwhelming support from Ohioans across the state. As this doesn’t change what is already law, as governor, I will support it,” — Amy Acton, democratic governor

Amy Acton backs Issue 3, the voter ID amendment, breaking with Ohio Democrats

• “It is highly flawed. It lacks many of the key protections for Ohio’s eligible voters,” — State Rep. Allison Russo

Amy Acton backs Issue 3, the voter ID amendment, breaking with Ohio Democrats

• “In other words, Republicans want voters to spend time and money enshrining in our Constitution a policy that is already state law, for Ohio’s elections – which are already safe, secure and free from widespread fraud,” — Kathleen Clyde, democratic party chair

Columbus Dispatch