The State of Ohio has marked a significant milestone in voter registration verification by finalizing a deal with the federal government, granting it extensive access to federal records. This long-term agreement, as reported by the Ohio Secretary of State's office, will enable the state to utilize the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system over the next 20 years. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose expressed his commitment to this cause, stating, “Ohio has a duty to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, and this agreement gives us the tools to do that job right."
After engaging in litigation against the Department of Homeland Security under the Biden administration, Ohio has emerged victorious, securing free access to the SAVE database and the ability to manage bulk verification requests. This agreement, filed in a federal court last week, draws an end to the ongoing legal battle, which was initially met with resistance from the Biden administration, leading to LaRose taking legal action after several unheeded requests for access to these databases. The Ohio Secretary’s office had made four requests over the course of several months, which were ultimately denied by the Biden administration. It wasn't until Ohio Congressman and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan intervened that the administration responded, resulting in the much-anticipated agreement.
The implications of this deal are substantial for the Ohio electoral landscape. In recent years, Ohio has taken deliberate steps to reinforce its voter list maintenance protocols. The new state constitutional citizenship voting requirement is a prime example of these measures. Senate Bill 293, which was passed earlier this year, has laid the legal groundwork for the Secretary of State's office to perform monthly reviews of the Statewide Voter Registration Database by consulting the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and the SAVE database operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
As part of the agreement, Ohio will not only gain insight into citizenship statuses but also receive verifiable data to support each citizen verification. This initiative aims to uphold the integrity of the state's voting process by ensuring that only eligible U.S. citizens can register and cast their ballots in elections. This collaboration between state and federal entities underlines a steadfast commitment to upholding the legal framework governing electoral participation. With access to the SAVE system secured, Ohio sets a new standard in the verification of voter eligibility, highlighting the balance between securing electoral integrity and facilitating an inclusive voter registration process.
