Recent indictments in Ohio have revealed illegal voting by noncitizens in multiple past elections, sparking a renewed push for voter ID laws. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced that noncitizens participated in elections from 2008 through 2020, highlighting weaknesses in the state’s election system.
Yost emphasized that Ohio’s laws are clear — only U.S. citizens are allowed to vote. “If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s illegal to vote,” Yost stated. The cases demonstrate a need for stricter identification requirements to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The attorney general’s office is currently investigating 138 other cases of alleged illegal voting.
Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s Election Integrity Unit has played a central role in uncovering these cases. One recent example involved the Clark County Board of Elections flagging a voter registration form in Haitian Creole, which was then rejected and reported. LaRose’s unit has urged all county election boards to stay vigilant to prevent further illegal registrations.
Yost made clear that intent is irrelevant when it comes to illegal voting, likening it to a speeding violation. “Ignorance of the law is no excuse,” he explained. Although the offense is classified as a fourth-degree felony in Ohio, Yost stated that he does not plan to seek prison sentences for the offenders, citing the lack of aggravating circumstances.
With more than 100 cases still under review, Ohioans are raising concerns about the integrity of the state’s voting system. Republicans argue that the evidence shows the need for voter ID laws, which would help ensure only eligible citizens can participate in elections.
These cases have brought renewed attention to the importance of election security in Ohio. Voter ID laws, proponents say, would strengthen the state’s system and prevent illegal participation in future elections, ensuring that only American citizens have a voice in deciding policies.
