Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde Calls on Gov. Mike DeWine to Veto Harmful Vote-by-Mail Restrictions

Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde Calls on Gov. Mike DeWine to Veto Harmful Vote-by-Mail Restrictions

June 18, 2026

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde issued the following statement calling on Governor Mike DeWine to veto Ohio Republicans' latest vote-by-mail photo ID legislation, which local elections officials are already slamming as "just bad for election administration":

"Ohio's elections are already safe and secure. These new photo ID requirements for voting by mail are unnecessary and will create new hurdles for eligible Ohioans casting their ballot. Voting is the foundation of our democracy, and eligible voters should not face additional barriers to making their voices heard.

"Local election officials from both parties have raised concerns about the confusion and administrative burdens this legislation could create, yet Ohio Republicans pushed forward anyway. Governor DeWine should listen to the election experts on the front lines, reject this unnecessary legislation, and veto this bill."

The Columbus Dispatch's Editorial Board recently joined the growing calls urging Gov. DeWine to veto this legislation - emphasizing that Ohio's elections are already safe and secure, and calling this "a ridiculous and cumbersome requirement that would do nothing to stop fraud."

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