Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has raised concerns over illegal voting practices in the state, arguing that the recent cases show why voter ID laws are necessary. With several noncitizens found to have cast ballots in elections as far back as 2008, Yost warns that the problem could be more widespread than what has been uncovered.
Yost explained that whether or not someone intended to break the law, voting as a noncitizen is illegal. “If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s illegal to vote,” he emphasized. He also compared the situation to a traffic ticket — intent doesn’t matter, and ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Ohio’s Secretary of State Frank LaRose has been pushing for more rigorous election monitoring. His Election Integrity Unit flagged over 130 cases for Yost’s office to investigate. The unit’s work highlights the importance of voter ID laws, as they would help verify voter eligibility more effectively and prevent similar illegal voting attempts.
In one recent instance, a registration form translated into Haitian Creole was discovered and rejected by the Clark County Board of Elections. While this shows a high level of scrutiny, Republicans argue that cases like these are evidence that more systemic solutions, such as voter ID requirements, are needed to catch and prevent illegal voting activities that may otherwise go undetected.
Yost has stated that while he doesn’t plan to seek prison terms for those indicted, accountability remains crucial. His office’s ongoing investigations are part of ensuring that Ohio’s elections are fair and secure. Republican leaders believe that implementing stronger voter ID laws would help achieve this goal by creating a more secure system where only qualified citizens participate.
