The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) is urging Ohio residents to contact Governor Mike DeWine and ask him to veto two bills that threaten fundamental constitutional rights and civic participation: House Bill 20 (H.B. 20) and Substitute House Bill 472 (Sub. H.B. 472).
Together, these bills would create new barriers to democratic participation and civic engagement by making it more difficult for Ohioans to vote, observe government activity, and exercise their constitutional rights.
Sub. H.B. 472 would impose additional identification requirements for absentee ballot requests, creating new obstacles for eligible voters, particularly seniors, naturalized citizens, people with disabilities, low-income families, and unhoused Ohioans. The legislation risks reducing voter participation, increasing confusion around election procedures, and imposing additional costs on election administrators and taxpayers.
At the same time, H.B. 20 would create a new criminal offense for approaching or remaining within 15 feet of an emergency responder after being ordered to move away. While public safety is important, the bill’s broad language could be used to restrict lawful observation, recording, journalism, protest activity, and other constitutionally protected conduct in public spaces.
If signed into law, these bills could:
- Make absentee voting less accessible for eligible voters.
- Create additional barriers for seniors, naturalized citizens, and low-income Ohioans.
- Chill free speech and peaceful assembly.
- Limit the ability of journalists, legal observers, and community members to document government activity.
- Increase opportunities for selective enforcement.
- Undermine transparency, accountability, and public participation in democracy.
“The freedom to vote, peacefully protest, observe government actions, and make our voices heard are not privileges; they are constitutional rights,” said CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Faten Oden. “H.B. 20 and Sub. H.B. 472 would erect unnecessary barriers between Ohioans and their democracy, disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities while doing little to improve public safety or election integrity. Governor DeWine should veto both measures and ensure that Ohio remains a state where civic participation is protected, encouraged, and accessible to all. Governor DeWine is expected to make a decision soon. CAIR-Ohio encourages residents across the state to contact his office immediately and urge him to veto both bills.