Ohio Constitution Article V - Elective Franchise
Ohio Constitution – Article V: Elective Franchise (Voting Rights)
Article V of the Ohio Constitution outlines the rights and regulations related to voting (elective franchise) in the state. Below is a summary of the key provisions in Article V:
Section 1 – Who May Vote
Every U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, who has been a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days before the election, is entitled to vote in all elections in the place of their residence.
Section 1a – Voter Registration
The General Assembly is required to establish laws for the registration of voters to ensure only qualified persons may vote.
Section 2 – Residence and Voting
A person does not gain or lose residency for voting purposes by being:
a student at a higher education institution,
in military or naval service,
employed in U.S. service,
or away from the state temporarily.
Section 3 – Exclusion from the Right to Vote
Individuals convicted of a felony may be denied the right to vote during their term of incarceration.
The right may be restored upon completion of the sentence.
Section 4 – Voting by Ballot
All elections must be conducted by ballot or other lawful means of voting.
Section 5 – Time of Elections
General elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years.
Section 6 – Uniform Ballots and Secrecy
The state must provide for:
Uniform ballots,
Secrecy in voting,
And other election procedures to ensure fairness and honesty.
Summary
Article V of the Ohio Constitution ensures the right to vote for all eligible citizens, regulates voter registration, and protects the secrecy and integrity of elections. It also clarifies residency rules, provides for felon disenfranchisement during incarceration, and mandates the timing of general elections.
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