OhioSenateState & Local Government Committee

Proponent Testimony

House Bill 359 Address Confidentiality

My name is Phyllis Carlson-Riehm and I represent ACTION OHIO Coalition For Battered Women. I am presenting proponent testimony this morning for House Bill 359, the Address Confidentiality Bill.

In today’s world it is difficult for anyone to maintain anonymity. And most people aren’t trying to do that anyway. In fact, it seems that the majority of people are intent on disclosing all sorts of information about themselves, as well as revealing pictures. But for a small number of people who are victims of domestic violence, rape, stalking and similar crimes of violence, not being noticed, not being found is what they strive for.

As a statewide domestic violence coalition, we receive phone calls, e-mails and letters from victims of violence, primarily domestic violence. They are all ages, both genders but primarily female, representing different racial and ethnic groups and various economic levels. But they have a certain set of characteristics in common – one being the need to be safe and out of reach of a threatening or abusive individual, which requires avoiding disclosures about where they live and other aspects of their daily life

Sometimes we receive inquiries from new residents to Ohio, who have been living in states that provide Address Confidentiality Programs. When they find out that no such program exists in Ohio, their concerns about being found escalate, because it is common for abusers and stalkers to travel whenever their targets make a move – including to another state.

Because it is difficultfor anyone to conceal residential information, especially in today’s society, only a few people commit to that life style. But when personal safety is at risk, there is good reason to make every effort to conceal identifying information. And when that includes not registering to vote, they are being penalized for being a victim of violence.

Because ACTION OHIO is committed to helping survivors of domestic violence and other forms of violence, we greatly appreciate the introduction of House Bill 359 and we support its passage as soon as possible for the opportunity it offers victims of violence.

This bill provides victims with a post office box address and a program administered through the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, an appropriate home for it because that office is responsible for elections in Ohio with voters’ residential information in its accessible database. Consequently, the Secretary of State’s Office is able to accommodate victims’ need for secrecy and still ensure their right to vote.

I urge committee members to vote this bill favorably out of committee as soon as possible, not only toprotect victims of violence but also to restore their privilege and responsibility as a U.S. citizen to exercise their right to vote.

Thanks for your consideration of our viewpoint on this bill.

Phyllis L Carlson-Riehm, Executive Director

ACTION OHIO Coalition For Battered Women

614 825-0551 / /

HB 359 Address Confidentiality Proponent Testimony