President Trump vows to eliminate mail-in voting by 2026 midterm elections
US President Donald Trump has condemned mail-in voting and vowed to “lead a movement” to eliminate it for the 2026 midterm elections.
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- Ohioans are scheduled to vote in November on a constitutional amendment that would require a photo ID to vote in person.
- Supporters say the measure will strengthen election integrity, while critics say it will make it harder for some citizens to vote.
- The state Legislature also passed a bill requiring photo ID to vote by mail, set to go into effect in 2027.
Ohioans will decide in November whether to include voter ID rules in the state constitution.
The Ohio House of Representatives on June 10 approved an amendment that would require a photo ID to vote at polling places, which is already state law. The vote was the final step in a resolution that Republican lawmakers rushed forward to ensure a Nov. 3 vote.
The bill, currently before the Ohio Ballot Commission, would create the language voters would see on their ballots.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and other supporters say the amendment would strengthen Ohio’s current election system. They also point to polling showing that Republicans and Democrats generally support voter ID requirements.
The issue also attracted the attention of President Donald Trump, who expressed support and criticized Democrats who oppose the issue.
“Requirements for photo ID for voters give us confidence in our elections,” said Rep. Adam Byrd (R-New Richmond). “These requirements ensure that people at the polling place are who they say they are.”
The amendment would strengthen a 2023 law that requires certain forms of unexpired photo identification, with the exception of university- or county-issued veteran identification cards. Critics argued the issue was not constitutional and accused Republicans of trying to inflame election enthusiasm.
“Why is the General Assembly putting this current law into a constitutional amendment over actually making life a little bit easier for the people of Ohio?” said Rep. Alison Russo (D-Upper Arlington), who is running for secretary of state.
Ohio lawmakers pass a bill that would require photo ID to vote by mail starting in 2027
Some Republicans opposed the amendment, saying it would not change the rules for voting by mail. Currently, Ohio residents voting absentee can present a driver’s license or Social Security number in lieu of a photo ID.
Hoping to gain support, Republican lawmakers on June 10 passed a bill that would require a photo ID to vote by mail starting in 2027. Senate Republicans included the change in House Bill 472, which aims to waive ID fees for people experiencing homelessness.
This bill:
- Require voters to provide a copy of their photo ID with their absentee ballot application or completed ballot.
- Create an online application portal that instructs users to submit a photo ID and a photo of their face.
- Requires libraries, the Department of Transportation Registrar, and election offices to produce free copies of voters’ photo identification upon request.
- Exceptions will be made for military personnel, overseas voters, and those with serious medical conditions, disabilities, or mobility issues. The bill would also exempt Ohio residents who cannot be photographed for religious reasons.
The new rules do not apply to the November 3, 2026 election. Critics accused Republican lawmakers of rushing through proposals that could confuse voters and burden local election officials.
“This bill is not about free and fair elections,” said Rep. Veronica Sims, D-Akron. “It’s about making it more difficult for Ohioans who already face the biggest barriers to voting.”
State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@usatodayco.com or @haleybemiller on X.
