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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 893

Overview

  • Bill: HB 893
  • Session: 136 (Ohio)
  • Introduced: May 12, 2026
  • Prime sponsor: Representative Glassburn
  • Cosponsors: Brennan, Piccolantonio, Synenberg, McNally, Upchurch, Gross
  • Purpose: Amend sections 3501.11 and 3501.29 of the Revised Code to reduce standing time for voters with difficulty standing, by requiring polling-place accommodations and an accessibility plan.

Main purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to improve accessibility and reduce the amount of time some voters must stand while waiting to sign the pollbook or cast a ballot.
  • It creates a duty for boards of elections to develop and implement an accommodation plan at each polling place to minimize standing time, particularly for voters who have difficulty standing for prolonged periods.
  • It preserves the option for voters with disabilities to vote in a vehicle or at the door of the polling place, with two polling-place officials from major parties assisting, as an allowed accommodation in certain cases.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 3501.11 (Expanded duties of boards of elections)

    • Requires boards to establish and operate an accommodation plan at each polling place to minimize standing time for voters who struggle to stand for long periods.
    • The plan must be trained and implemented by precinct election officials; may include:
    • A priority waiting line for those needing to sit, before serving other voters
    • A designated seating area for waiting to sign the pollbook or cast a ballot
    • Other accommodations that effectively reduce standing time
    • The plan must be provided to all voters, with no compulsion to use it.
    • Boards must train staff and provide necessary equipment and signage.

  • Section 3501.29 (Polling place accessibility and accommodations)

    • Polling-place requirements for accessibility:
    • Free of barriers to ingress/egress for voters with disabilities
    • Minimum accessible parking per ADA standards
    • Accessible entrances (level or ADA-compliant ramps)
    • Doors at least 32 inches wide
    • Vehicle/door voting option for voters who are physically unable to enter the polling place, with two poll workers from major parties assisting voters inside a vehicle or at the door.
    • Each polling place must have an accommodation plan (as described above) to minimize standing time; training and equipment provided; plan apply to all voters, but usage is voluntary for each voter.
    • Absence of adherence to these accessibility standards can be addressed via an approval/verification process.

  • Additional duties and coordination

    • Secretary of State to coordinate with state agencies and disability/elderly organizations to disseminate information about accessibility accommodations, including absentee voting and vehicle/door voting options.
    • County boards must sign and certify, before election day, that polling places meet the accessibility standards (specifically the required minimum accessible features) and report to the Secretary of State.

  • Repeal/clarification

    • Sections 3501.11 and 3501.29 are amended; the act also reconciling prior amendments to present a composite version of 3501.29 as it existed after prior HB actions.

Who is affected

  • County boards of elections: Responsible for implementing the accommodation plan, training staff, and ensuring polling-place accessibility requirements are met.
  • Polling-place staff and precinct election officials: Will need training to execute the accommodation plan and assist voters with standing-time accommodations.
  • Voters, especially:
    • Voters with mobility or standing difficulties (e.g., elderly, disabled)
    • Voters who may need accommodations to reduce wait times
  • Secretary of State and state agencies: Coordinating information dissemination, accessibility guidance, and compliance oversight.
  • Organizations representing elderly and disabled citizens: Potential partners for outreach and information on accommodations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Before an election day, county election directors must sign and transmit a certification statement verifying polling-place accessibility (minimum requirements) to the Secretary of State by certified mail or electronically.
  • The Secretary of State must develop guidance and coordinate with other agencies and disability organizations to implement the accommodation requirements.
  • The accommodation plan is to be created for each polling place and applied on election day, with staff training and signage in place prior to use.
  • For presidential primaries and general elections, the board of elections must prepare and submit an election administration plan to the Secretary of State within specified deadlines:
    • Not later than 75 days before a presidential primary
    • Not later than 120 days before a general election in an even-numbered year
  • Section 2 repeals the existing sections 3501.11 and 3501.29 and Section 3 harmonizes the amended version with prior amendments, ensuring the composite is in effect.

Practical impact

  • Increased emphasis on accessibility and reducing wait times for standing.
  • Formalized accommodations at polling places, with explicit options for those who cannot stand.
  • Greater accountability through certification requirements and required training.
  • Potential logistical considerations for boards, including staffing, space allocation, and signage to support accommodations.

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

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