Ohio Issue 3: Will voter ID be added to state constitution?
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Ohio voters already have to show photo ID to vote in person.
On Nov. 3, they’ll decide whether to write that requirement into the Ohio Constitution through Issue 3, the only statewide issue on the ballot.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Ohio voters to decide whether to add voter ID requirement to state constitution
What is on the ballot
Issue 3 would add a new Section 5 to Article V of the Ohio Constitution, protecting Ohio’s 2023 photo ID law (HB 458).
It would make no immediate change to how you vote, but would make it harder to change or repeal in the future — it would take another statewide vote.
If passed, in-person voters must show unexpired photo ID: Ohio driver’s license or state ID, U.S. passport or passport card, or military ID from the Ohio National Guard, the U.S. military or the VA.
Mail and absentee voters remain exempt because they can still use the last four digits of their Social Security number.
It was placed on the ballot by the legislature (Senate Joint Resolution 10) in June after an op-ed push by gubernatorial candidate (R-OH) Vivek Ramaswamy in May.
Who supports Issue 3
Supporters of the statewide ballot issue include:
- Secretary of State Frank LaRose
- Vivek Ramaswamy, GOP gubernatorial candidate
- Robert Sprague, Republican candidate for secretary of state
- Dr. Amy Acton, a Democrat running for governor and breaking with her party
- State Sen. Jerry Cirino, R, District 18
“This amendment has overwhelming support... As this doesn’t change what is already law, as governor, I will support it.”
“It’s the proper protection and voter ID is such an important issue. I truly believe it belongs in the Constitution... to secure and make sure that the right people are voting.”
Ohio law currently requires voters to show proof of photo ID when voting, with some rare religious exemptions.
If Issue 3 passes, the requirement would become an amendment to the state’s constitution.
Who opposes Issue 3
Opponents of the statewide ballot issue include:
- All Voting is Local Ohio
- Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde
- Secretary of State nominee Allison Russo
- Sen. Bill DeMora
- Rep. Terrence Upchurch, D-Cleveland
“You do not protect rights by restricting how somebody exercises that right.”
Legislative Director Gary Daniels calls it rushed and political, not an improvement.
League of Women Voters Ohio Director Jen Miller warns that no guarantee of free ID raises poll-tax concerns and wants tech flexibility.
Opponents argue it’s redundant, locks in obsolete ID rules as IDs go digital, and signals future cuts to early and absentee voting.
Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a separate mail-ballot photo ID bill in June.
What Issue 3 will look like on the ballot
Issue 3 will read as follows:
A majority yes vote is required for the adoption of Section 5. The options on the ballot would read:
- A “YES” vote means approval of the amendment
- A “NO” vote means disapproval of the amendment
According to the Proposed Amendment to the Ohio Constitution, if Issue 3 gains the majority vote by the time polls close, the issue would take effect immediately.
Ohio Decides: Election Day Guide | Meet the Candidates | Local and State Issues
Voter Guide: Everything you need to know to cast your ballot
Ohio’s Election Day is Nov. 3. Here's what to know to make your vote count.
FULL INTERVIEW: Ramaswamy calls for debate with opponent Amy Acton
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy outlined proposals on affordability, energy, data centers and education during an interview at the 19 News studios in downtown Cleveland.
FULL INTERVIEW: Dr. Acton addresses affordability, schools, debate concerns
Dr. Amy Acton spoke to 19 News about her background, affordability and her response to criticism from her Republican opponent.
Former Sen. Brown continues his march toward Election Day
Sherrod Brown knows what to say and how to deliver a message. He’s been doing it for over 50 years as a politician.
Husted addresses HB6 ties, rising prices in Ohio Senate push
Current Sen. Jon Husted is trying to stay in Washington and shares how he plans to win.
Poindexter talks economy, negative ads in Ohio’s 7th District race
Brian Poindexter discusses his platform and negative ads against him. | NOTE: 19 News has reached out to incumbent Max Miller’s campaign multiple times to set up a one-on-one interview.
Ohio voters to decide whether to add voter ID requirement to state constitution
Ohio voters are already required to show a photo ID to vote. On Election Day, they will decide whether to add that requirement to the state’s constitution through Issue 3.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
