Free gets a bit tricky, the BMV charges $8.50 processing last I checked for an Ohio ID card, and even absentee you're paying postage or gas to get the form and/or send it in. Ohio incidentally has often been said to have the most or one of the most restrictive voting requirements which is while you'll hear me use hedge words when referring to other states, and HB 194 is seeking to restrict it Driver's License, State ID Card, passport, or Military ID, but has some fairly heavy opposition even from Husted. The final form of the bill or a successor could render much of what I said invalid. HEre however is the current acceptable ID

[From Ohio SecState]

A current and valid photo identification card issued by the State of Ohio or the United States government; or

A military identification ("military ID" ); or

An original or copy of a current utility bill; or

An original or copy of a current bank statement; or

An original or copy of a current government check; or

An original or copy of a current paycheck; or

An original or copy of a current other government document, other than a voter registration acknowledgement notification mailed by the board of elections, that shows the voter’s name and current address.[end]

So while I don't consider the $8.50 fee legitimately prohibitive, a person can forgo even that by presenting one of those above. Theoretically a person on welfare or disability who can not afford $8.50 is likely to have a government check. It would be my preference to go strictly photo ID and simply make the State ID available free of charge, currently though while I am not familiar with any absolutely free photo ID in Ohio, but those various forms - utility, bank, gov't, are typically free.



It will be very interesting with absentee ballots for Ohio in 2012, last I checked deal had been cut to mail out everyone a absentee voter request form.