The Ohio Senate has approved Senate Bill 4, a measure introduced by State Senator Theresa Gavarone. The bill aims to establish an Election Integrity Unit within the Office of the Secretary of State and adjust existing laws related to the prosecution of election law violations in Ohio.
Senator Gavarone stated, “If we are not improving Ohio’s election law then we are moving backwards and asking for trouble. There is no doubt that this legislation will improve the election process in the state of Ohio. One case of voter fraud is one case too much and I’m confident that the Election Integrity Unit will bolster not only our election systems but our Republic.”
The proposed Election Integrity Unit will be responsible for investigating claims of election fraud and voter suppression. It will also allow public complaints, refer cases to prosecutors or other agencies, and report its findings to the General Assembly. Should a County Prosecutor decide against prosecuting referred cases, the Attorney General may take over.
The bill now moves to the Ohio House for further evaluation.
