COLUMBUS, Ohio — If you vote by absentee ballot, you might need to get your ballot in the mail earlier in future elections.

The Ohio Senate passed a bill Wednesday afternoon to eliminate the four-day grace period for mail-in ballots to be received by county board of elections offices. The vote was 23-10 mostly along party lines.

"It will provide the impetus for voters to make their voices heard and inspire confidence in a fair and secure election," said bill sponsor state Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, during debate in the Senate.

Gavarone says Senate Bill 293 will bring Ohio into compliance with federal law.

"Thirty-four states, two-thirds of the country, now require absentee ballots be returned by mail on or before election day," Gavarone said.

Ohio would be the 35th. De

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