Ohio bill would shield info of violence victims

COLUMBUS – Registering to vote shouldn’t place victims of domestic violence at risk of being found by their abusers, lawmakers said.

They want to protect victims of rape, domestic violence and human trafficking with a new, bipartisan bill that would shield victims' addresses and personal information collected when they register to vote or register their vehicle, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted said. Currently, that information is easily accessible by stalkers and abusers.

“The victims are in the position to choose: do I want to vote or do I want to be safe?” said Rep. Mike Duffey, R-Worthington.

Individuals could sign up for the protection through domestic violence counselors, who would also discuss other safety precautions, said Nancy Neylon, executive director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network. They would be issued a confidential number and P.O. Box, which is much less traceable than a home address.

Law enforcement, prosecutors and elections officials could access the personal information, but it would not be a public record that stalkers could find. Lawmakers and domestic violence advocates hope reducing access to personal information will protect violence victims.

“The great thing about technology is it’s made it easy to find people. The bad thing about technology is it’s made it easy to find people,” Husted said.

More than 30 other states have similar protections. The cost of the program would be limited — about $40,000 – and would be subsidized by domestic violence offenders, who would pay between $70 and $500 when they are convicted.

The proposal was introduced in the House Tuesday by Duffey and Rep. Anne Gonzales, R-Westerville. A companion bill in the Senate will be introduced soon.