Senate Passes Gavarone Bill Creating Ohio's Election Integrity Unit

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 4, legislation sponsored by State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) that establishes the Election Integrity Unit in the Office of the Secretary of State and modifies laws governing the prosecution of Election Law violations in Ohio.

“If we are not improving Ohio's election law then we are moving backwards and asking for trouble,” said Senator Gavarone. “There is no doubt that this legislation will improve the election process in the state of Ohio. One case of voter fraud is one case too much and I'm confident that the Election Integrity Unit will bolster not only our election systems but our Republic."

Senate Bill 4 creates the Election Integrity Unit under the Secretary of State's office. The unit is required to investigate allegations of election fraud and voter suppression, allow the public to submit complaints, refer cases to a prosecutor, law enforcement or another state or federal agency for review, and submit a report to the General Assembly detailing investigations undertaken by the unit. If the County Prosecutor declines to prosecute cases referred by the Election Integrity Unit, then the Attorney General may proceed with the prosecution.

The legislation now heads to the Ohio House for further consideration.

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