Reply #5: OH: Provisional ballots to go on paper

[freedomfries]

State: Provisional ballots to go on paper

Associated Press
Cincinnati Post
April 6, 2007
http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070406/NEWS01/704060371

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio's new elections chief on Thursday ordered the state's 88 boards of elections to record all provisional ballots on paper, beginning with the first elections after the May 8 primary.

Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner said electronic machines assign each provisional voter a number that is printed on a paper record in each machine, putting ballot secrecy at risk if a recount occurs. If the number is visible while votes are being counted, it would be possible to learn the identity of the voter.

A provisional ballot is cast when a voter does not have suitable identification or if the address on the ID differs from the one written in precinct poll books.

Most counties still use paper for provisional ballots, said Matt Damschroder, director of the Franklin County elections board and president of the Ohio Association of Election Officials.

Elections officials should have no problem making the switch, he said.

Brunner also ordered boards to adopt statewide standards in voter identification requirements for those seeking absentee ballots.
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The new standards require election workers to accept as valid identification a driver's license or state issued ID; a photo ID issued by the federal government or a military ID; or an original or copy of a utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check or other government document.
http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070406/NEWS01/704060371