Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted is asking the General Assembly to include $1.25 million in the new state budget to pay for his mailing of absentee ballot applications to registered voters for the 2016 presidential election cycle. It’s a needed expense and should be approved.

A new state law permits only the secretary of state, Ohio’s chief elections officer, to mail unsolicited ballot applications to voters — and even then, lawmakers must approve the money used to send the applications. Mr. Husted sent out such applications statewide for the 2012 and 2014 elections, but he used federal funds for those mailings.

That money has run out, Matt McClellan, Mr. Husted’s spokesman, told The Blade’s editorial page. “We knew we didn’t have enough money left to cover a mailing, so it was clear we were going to have to go to the legislature,” he said.

Allowing Ohioans the option to vote by absentee ballot is convenient and efficient, and could increase voter turnout. Last year, nearly one of three Ohioans who voted did so by absentee ballot. Voters evidently appreciate the convenience of casting their ballots from home. “It helps reduce the chance of long lines of Election Day,” Mr. McClellan said.

Secretary Husted intends to mail about 6.5 million applications to active registered voters next year, Mr. McClellan added. First, though, lawmakers and Gov. John Kasich must put the money in the budget by the time the fiscal year begins July 1.

Lawmakers should not impede any measure that would encourage more Ohioans to vote and improve the election system. It can be hard for elderly voters or those who lack transportation to get to the polls; they should not be denied their right to vote.

Mr. Husted has been pushing initiatives to put absentee ballots in the hands of voters, including a proposal that would allow voters to track their ballots online. He has also repeatedly sought to allow would-be voters to register online, but can’t get support from lawmakers.

Giving Ohioans more voting options is sensible. The $1.25 million needed to mail absentee ballot applications is not an exorbitant amount. Lawmakers and the governor should promptly approve the appropriation.

First Published March 14, 2015, 4:00 a.m.