Reynolds Introduces The Voter Registration Modernization Act

COLUMBUS—State Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) introduced Senate Bill 147, legislation that will allow voters to easily update their party affiliation on the voter registration form.

"The idea for this bill came from discussions with my constituents, who are concerned about their inability to update their voter registrations to reflect their values until a primary election in even-numbered years," Reynolds said. "Senate Bill 147 modernizes voter registrations in Ohio. This voter-friendly bill not only empowers voters to become more civically engaged, it also increases data accuracy and integrity of the voter registration process in real-time.”

Senate Bill 147 allows voters to update their party affiliation at any time up to 30 days before a primary election. Currently a voter's party affiliation is solely determined by the last primary ballot they used.

The legislation also moves Ohio's primary elections to a closed system, which means a voter must be registered with a political party to vote using that party's ballot. This change does not affect issue voting for unaffiliated voters. 

Senate Bill 147 must next be referred to committee.