COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio Republican lawmakers have fast-tracked a fall ballot measure that would expressly prohibit noncitizens from voting in local elections.
The proposed constitutional amendment emerged just last week and cleared the Ohio House 68-28 on Wednesday over Democrats’ objections. It moves next to the Senate, where another three-fifths majority will be needed.
The issue stands to ignite GOP voters ahead of this year’s high-stakes midterm elections, when Republicans are hoping dissatisfaction with Democrats will boost their success at the Ohio Statehouse and in Congress. Democrats criticized the proposal as taxation-without-representation and an infringement on home rule. Its backers say it’s preventive.