COLUMBUS, Ohio -- While counties continued processing late-arriving absentee ballots from Tuesday’s election, the Ohio Senate voted on Wednesday to end the state’s four-day grace period.

Senate Bill 293 would require mail-in ballots to be received by the close of polls on Election Day. Under current law, ballots postmarked by the day before the election can be counted if they arrive within four days.

It passed 23 to 10 with no Democratic support. It now goes to the Ohio House for debate.

Supporters said the change would align Ohio with the majority of states and improve public confidence.

“This ensures Ohio has a timely and accurate election process,” said Sen. Theresa Gavarone, a Republican from Lucas County and one of the bill’s sponsors.

Democrats warned the new rule would throw

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