Senate Passes Gavarone, Brenner Bill To Require Absentee Ballots Arrive By Poll Closing

COLUMBUS—The Ohio State Senate passed Senate Bill 293, sponsored by State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) and State Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), which would require that all mail in absentee ballots be delivered to the board of elections by poll closing on Election Day. 

“Election day is election day for a reason," said Senator Gavarone. “Allowing ballots to be delivered days after the election does nothing but hurt the integrity and credibility of our elections.”

On March 25th, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order instructing the Attorney General of The United States to enforce Title 2, Chapter 1, Section 7 and Title 3, Chapter 1, Section 1 of the U.S. Code against States that violate these provisions by including absentee or mail in ballots received after Election Day in the final tabulation of votes. 

Senate Bill 293 would require all mail in ballots arrive by poll closing, with the exception of uniformed services and overseas absent voter's ballots. Thirty-four other states, including Ohio’s neighboring states of Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, have the same deadline this bill imposes.

"I am proud to team up with Senator Gavarone to sponsor this legislation," added Senator Brenner. "This legislation will ensure that Ohio is abiding by Federal election law and President Trump's executive order."

Senate Bill 293 has been sent to the Ohio House for further consideration.

# # #