|
Updated 01.26.12 Be Prepared! Know how to protect your
vote.
What do I need to do in order to vote?
Step 1. Registration. You must be registered 30 days before Election Day
in order to vote. Check your registration with the Board of Elections to make sure your
name and address are current.
Step 2. Identification. Make sure you have an acceptable form of ID. If
you do not have ID, do not wait until the last minute. Get ID ahead of time.
Step 3. Decide when and where to vote. You have a choice between:
- voting early by mail-in absentee ballot;
- voting early in person at the Board of Elections;
- voting in person on Election Day at your local polling place.
STEP 1: REGISTRATION
How do I register to vote?
1. Obtain a voter registration form. Available at the Board of Elections,
on the Secretary of State website, Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices, any public high
school, and at public libraries.
2. Fill out the form. Follow the instructions carefully and provide all
required information.
3. Return the form. Mail your registration form to the Board of Elections
or hand deliver it to any of the agencies that provided the form.
How do I check the status of my registration?
How do I update my registration?
It is important that the name and address on your registration is current. If you have
moved or changed your name, be sure to file a new voter registration form.
STEP 2: IDENTIFICATION
What forms of ID are acceptable?
You must have one of the following:
- ID card, which can be either:
- A photo ID card with your name and address — such as an Ohio driver’s
license or state ID card (old address is acceptable), or other government ID (with
current address);
- U.S. military ID card with your name and photo (address not required);
- Note: Student ID is not accepted.
- Other ID document that shows your name and current address, such as:
a copy of a current utility bill (including a cell phone bill), bank statement, paycheck,
government check, or other government document.;
- ID number: Ohio driver’s license or state ID card number or the
last four (4) digits of your social security number.
When is ID required?
Mail-in voters are required to provide an ID number or a photocopy of
your ID card or document when you mail in your absentee ballot.
In-person voters are required to show an ID card or document in order
to cast a regular ballot.
If you do not have an ID card or document with you, then you can provide an ID number
(your driver’s license or state ID number or last four digits of your social security
number) and cast a provisional ballot. Election officials are required to verify your
information before counting your ballot. In person early voters may
leave and return with an ID card or document in order to cast a regular ballot.
STEP 3: DECIDE WHEN AND WHERE TO VOTE
How do I vote early by mail-in absentee ballot?
1. You must submit an absentee ballot request form to your local Board of
Elections.
2. Mail-in absentee ballots will be available beginning 35 days before Election
Day.
3. When you receive your absentee ballot in the mail, follow the
instructions carefully. Provide all required information.
4. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the close of polls on Election
Day. Mail in your absentee ballot as soon as possible, so that it is received
before the deadline.
5. Special rules for military and overseas voters.
- Ohio voters who serve in the military or who are overseas and wish to vote by mail
have extra time. Mail-in voting begins 45 days before Election Day, and the completed
absentee ballot must be received by the Board of Elections no later than 10 days after
Election Day.
- For more information, please see
http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/overseas.aspx
How do I vote early in person at the Board of Elections?
1. Identify the early voting location in your county. Some counties hold
early voting at the Board of Elections office, while other counties permit early voting at
a different location. Call your Board of Elections to find out where you can vote early.
2. Bring ID and make sure you know your precinct number.
3. Know the dates and hours for early voting.
- Dates: Early voting begins 35 days prior to all primary and
general elections. For special elections, voters should call their local Board of Elections
to confirm when early voting will be available.
- Hours: Early voting hours may vary. Call your local Board of Elections
to be sure what days and times they are open for early voting.
How do I vote in person on Election Day?
1. Locate your polling place. Write down this information in
a place where it will be remembered.
2. Vote in the correct precinct. If you vote in the wrong precinct,
you may be required to cast a provisional ballot that may not count. If you are unsure of
your precinct, ask a poll worker to assist you.
3. Bring ID.
4. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. By law, you
have a right to vote if you are in line at the polling place when the polls close.
5. If you are disabled, poll workers are required to provide assistance.
For more information or to report a problem please contact:
Click here for a printable version of this information,
Click here for 2-up layout (two-sided,
two cards per sheet)
|
news center
volunteer