Ohio’s new photo ID law for voting has sparked discussions across various communities, and a significant point of concern has emerged from Amish communities, particularly in areas like Holmes County. This is due to the Amish tradition of abstaining from having their photographs taken for religious reasons. As the primary elections approach, it’s crucial to understand how this new requirement impacts Amish voters and what provisions are in place to ensure their participation in the democratic process. This article delves into the specifics of Ohio’s law, the challenges it poses, and the solutions available for Amish individuals to exercise their right to vote without compromising their religious beliefs.
Ohio House Bill 458, enacted to address concerns about election integrity and voter fraud, mandates a strict photo ID for voting. This law, championed by conservative voters and Republican lawmakers, aims to tighten election security amidst ongoing debates about the accuracy of U.S. elections. While proponents argue it enhances security, critics worry about its potential to disenfranchise certain voter groups, including older individuals, military veterans, college students from out of state, and notably, Amish communities.
In Holmes County, where Amish residents constitute a significant portion of the electorate, the implications of this law are particularly noteworthy. Commissioner Joe Miller highlights the importance of Amish voters in the community, stating, “We’ve got about 20,000 Amish people in our community and more and more are voting. A third of our voters are Amish, and we want to get more and more of them registered.” With approximately one-third of registered voters in Holmes County being Amish, the new photo ID requirement raises questions about accessibility to voting for this population.
Despite these concerns, Wayne Wengerd, an Amish director with the Ohio Steering Committee, suggests that the new law might not pose significant problems for Amish voters in Holmes and Wayne counties. However, the broader context of voter ID laws and their potential impact on voter turnout remains a subject of national debate. Wendy Weiser from the Brennan Center for Justice points out that Ohio’s election system was already considered well-run, questioning the necessity of such strict measures.
Navigating the Polls Without a Photo ID: The Religious Objection Affidavit
For Amish voters who do not possess a photo ID due to religious objections, Ohio law provides a specific pathway to cast their ballot. According to Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office, voters without photo IDs for religious reasons can utilize a “Religious Objection Affidavit” at the polling place.
Rob Nichols, communications officer, explains that an Amish voter would need to complete this affidavit, including their name, signature, and the last four digits of their Social Security number. Election officials will then verify with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to confirm that the voter does not have a photo ID on record. Upon confirmation, the voter’s ballot, initially cast provisionally, is counted.
This process ensures that Amish voters adhering to their religious beliefs against being photographed can still participate in elections. The religious exemption aims to balance election security with religious freedom, providing a legal avenue for those with sincere religious objections to photo identification.
Practical Steps and Considerations for Amish Voters
While the religious objection affidavit offers a solution, understanding the practical steps is crucial for Amish voters. It’s important to note that the process involves a provisional ballot, which requires additional verification after Election Day. This might add a step compared to standard voting procedures, but it is designed to accommodate religious exemptions.
Furthermore, Ohio offers a free state ID from the BMV, even for individuals with religious objections to photographs. Starting April 7, individuals without a driver’s license can obtain a free state ID, and those with religious exemptions can request one without a photo. This non-photo ID can be used for both voting and voter registration, providing an alternative form of identification that respects religious beliefs while meeting legal requirements.
Concerns and Potential Challenges
Despite the provisions in place, election officials like Lisa Welch, Director of the Holmes County Board of Elections, express concerns about potential confusion and increased workload. Welch anticipates a rise in provisional ballots due to the new law, which could strain election office resources, especially in smaller offices with limited full-time staff.
“My biggest concern is the first time through, we get a whole bunch of provisionals,” Welch stated, highlighting the additional processing required for provisional ballots. She worries that increased provisional voting could lead to delays at polling places and add to the administrative burden on election boards.
Commissioner Miller also voices concern that the new process might deter some Amish voters. “I want honest voting, I understand that, but a lot of the Amish don’t have the photo ID and won’t do a photo ID,” he said, suggesting that some Amish individuals might choose not to vote rather than navigate the new requirements.
Absentee Voting as a Possible Solution
To mitigate potential issues related to in-person voting with the new photo ID law, election officials suggest absentee voting as a simpler alternative. Welch notes that absentee ballots are less labor-intensive to process than provisional ballots. Encouraging Amish voters to utilize absentee ballots could streamline the voting process and reduce the burden on polling places on Election Day.
By requesting and returning absentee ballots by mail, Amish voters can avoid the photo ID requirement at polling places altogether. This method could offer a more convenient and less potentially confusing way for Amish individuals to vote under the new regulations.
Conclusion: Balancing Access and Integrity
Ohio’s new photo ID law presents a unique challenge for Amish voters due to their religious beliefs. However, the state has incorporated provisions like the Religious Objection Affidavit and the option for a free non-photo ID to ensure that these voters are not disenfranchised. While concerns about potential confusion and increased provisional ballots remain, understanding the available options and promoting methods like absentee voting can help Amish communities navigate these changes and continue to participate actively in the electoral process. Ultimately, the goal is to balance election integrity with ensuring accessible voting for all citizens, including those with specific religious considerations.
