AMAC Supports Voter ID Bill in Ohio

September 18th, 2026

The Honorable Ron Ferguson

Ohio House of Representatives

77 South High Street

13th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215

Dear Representative Ferguson,

On behalf of AMAC Action, the advocacy affiliate of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), with over 2 million members nationwide, we write to express our support for House Bill 577, which would require voters casting absentee ballots by mail to provide a copy of an acceptable photo identification with their returned ballot. We believe establishing a clear identification process for absentee voting can provide voters and election officials with a consistent procedure for verifying ballots.

Your legislation protects election integrity while also recognizing that some seniors and individuals with disabilities may face challenges obtaining identification. To address this concern, the bill would establish a homebound identification program through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles for individuals who are unable to travel to a deputy registrar because of confinement, a medical condition, or a disability. In addition, your legislation would also provide avenues for voters to obtain free copies of their photo identification.

These provisions are particularly important to older Ohioans. Seniors who are homebound, have limited mobility, or rely on family members, caregivers, or other assistance should have a practical way to meet voting requirements without being required to make an unnecessary trip to a government office. Protecting Ohio’s elections while empowering homebound seniors are policies that AMAC Action is proud to support.

The bill also includes privacy protections important to our members. Under HB 577, copies of voters’ photo identification would not be treated as public records, and the Secretary of State and county boards of elections would be required to establish procedures for securely storing and disposing of documents containing confidential voter information.

Thank you for standing up for election integrity and Ohio seniors.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Bengtson

Vice President

AMAC Action