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Bill

HB 400

Create a permanent absent voter list

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rachel Baker and 13 co-sponsors

Ohio bill creating permanent absentee voter list allowing automatic ballot requests for future elections without annual reapplication.

Referred to committee
#electionadministration #elections
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 400

Legislative bill overview

HB 400 would establish a permanent absent voter list in Ohio, allowing registered voters to request absentee ballots automatically for all future elections without needing to reapply each election cycle. Once a voter opts into the list, they would receive absentee ballots for subsequent elections unless they explicitly remove themselves or become ineligible.

Why is this important

This affects voting accessibility and administration efficiency. Supporters argue it reduces barriers for voters who consistently prefer mail-in voting, while opponents raise concerns about election security, voter roll management, and the potential for outdated registrations to persist on the list.

Potential points of contention

  • Election security and fraud prevention: Questions about whether automatic ballot sending increases vulnerability to mail ballot interception, vote harvesting, or ballots sent to people who have moved or died
  • Voter roll accuracy: Concerns that voters remaining on the permanent list after moving, becoming ineligible, or passing away could complicate election administration
  • Administrative burden vs. simplification: Disagreement over whether this streamlines voting or creates new tracking and verification challenges for election officials

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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