American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio :: Voter Empowerment Card

Updated 03.06

Who can vote?

You can vote if:

How do I register to vote?

You must submit a voter registration application in order to register.
You can get an application from your county board of elections, the Secretary of State’s office, at any public high school, at the offices of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and at public libraries.
You can mail your registration form to the Board of Elections, or hand deliver it to any of the agencies listed above. Registration forms must be received thirty days before an election to be able to vote. (O.R.C. §3503.10)

When do I vote?

Polling places are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. By law, you have a right to vote if you are in line at the polling place when the polls close. (O.R.C. §3501.32)

Where do I vote?

Your polling place will be listed on the voter registration card that should be mailed to you after you register. If you don’t get one or lose it before the day of the election, call your local board of elections.

Is identification required in order to vote?

Yes. You must provide proof of your identity in the form of either a current, valid photo ID or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and current address. (O.R.C. §3505.18(A)(1))
If you do not have identification, you can provide the last four digits of your social security number and cast a provisional ballot. (O.R.C. § 3505.18(A)(2))
If you do not wish to provide your social security number, you may swear an affidavit and cast a provisional ballot. However, you must provide identification to the board of elections within ten days of casting the provisional ballot for it to be counted. (O.R.C. §3505.183(B)(4)(a)(vii))

Can I vote absentee?

Yes. If you are qualified to vote, you can vote absentee. (ORC §3509.02(A))
In order to vote absentee, you must submit an absentee application to the Board of Elections no later than later than noon of the third day before Election Day, or no later than the close of regular business hours on the day before Election Day if the application is delivered in person to the office of the board. (O.R.C. §3509.03)
The application for an absentee ballot must include: your name, your signature, the address at which you are registered to vote, your date of birth, a statement identifying the election for which the ballot is requested, a statement that you are a qualified elector, the address you want the ballot to be mailed to, and one of the following:

your driver's license number,
or
the last four digits of your social security number,
or
a copy of your current and valid government issued photo identification, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address. (O.R.C. §3509.03)

Common problems on Election Day

If your work schedule would prevent you from voting while the polls are open, ask your employer for time off to vote. You have the right to take a reasonable amount of time on Election Day to vote. (O.R.C. § 3599.06)
You have the right to cast a provisional ballot if you believe that you are eligible to vote even if your name does not appear on the registration list. In order to cast a provisional ballot, you are required to sign a written affirmation that you are eligible to vote in that precinct. Officials then determine whether or not you are eligible to vote under state law. (Help America Vote Act of 2002, Public Law 107-252)
If anyone challenges your eligibility to vote, the registrars will hold a hearing at the polling place to rule on the challenge. If they rule in your favor or if they are undecided and you make a sworn statement, you have the right to a ballot. (O.R.C. §3505.20)
If you are unable to get to the voting booth because of a physical disability, you have the right to vote at the door of the polling place, at your vehicle or by absentee ballot. (O.R.C. §3501.29)

How can I minimize problems on Election Day?

Call your board of elections to double check your registration status and polling place at least 30 days before Election Day.
Bring more than one form of identification to the polls. This is not necessary to vote but can be helpful if anyone challenges your eligibility.
Vote early in the day to avoid the last minute rush.
Take your time in the voting booth. There is no time limit.

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