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ID requirement may impede Amish voters
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - March 31, 2011)
ID requirement may impede Amish voters
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
A proposed state law could have devastating effects on voters in Geauga's Amish community, according to state Sen. Timothy Grendell, R-Chester.
He said the new law, which might be on a "fast track" through the Ohio Legislature, could discourage Amish voters from participating in the democratic process. "It could discourage people from voting, and that's wrong," he said.
Mr. Grendell said he planned to meet with Amish bishops Tuesday (March 29) to discuss the legislation's possible impact on them. He said he wants to hear from the Amish leaders before looking at possible amendments to the legislation.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Robert P. Mecklenborg, R-Cincinnati, would require voters to produce a photo identification when they arrive to vote.
Currently, voters are required to provide a photo ID, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government document with current name or address. The new law requires an Ohio driver's license, a state ID, military ID or passport.
Arch Kimbrew, director of Geauga County Board of Elections, said about 99 percent of Geauga's voters use Ohio driver's licenses when they arrive at the polls.
But for the Amish community, he said, that is not an option for many. While some may carry state ID cards, because of religious beliefs, they do not include photos, he said.
In a state where officials are struggling to fill budget gaps, Mr. Grendell said he fears the legislation may add to the cost of doing business, as well as make the democratic process take longer.
Mr. Kimbrew agreed, saying he hopes his office is not saddled with the expense of providing the photo IDs. He said the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is equipped to provide those photos, but it will likely strain a budget already hurting for money.
While those who cannot afford to pay for the new IDs are expected to be given them for free, the cost of producing them will fall to some state agency.
Although the bill is aimed at reducing voter fraud, particularly those who may attempt to vote twice, there is little evidence to indicate voter fraud is a problem, officials said.
Mr. Kimbrew said there have been no proven fraud cases in the past five to 10 years. He compared it to thinking, "My house hasn't been broken into, but I still lock the doors."
Mr. Grendell said he fears that the Amish will choose to vote with provisional ballots, something that could slow the voting process.
Mr. Kimbrew said those voting by provisional ballots are required to fill out a form, then provide it to the poll workers. The votes can be counted as late as two weeks after an election.
Mr. Grendell said those who wait in line for the provisional ballots could become frustrated and decide it may be too long of a wait and leave.
Mr. Kimbrew said the county's system has long been known for its efficiency and voters have never had to wait in long lines.
Using provisional ballots is likely to slow down the line of voters and will frustrate them.
A goal of the state has been to reduce the number of provisional ballots used in elections, but the new law may actually increase the numbers, he said.
Mr. Kimbrew said if the law proceeds unchanged from its current form he will advise Amish voters to use absentee ballots, which do not require an ID.
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