Cuyahoga County Election Day Questions (And Answers!)
There are many questions regarding the election this year, and many of these questions center around how voting will work with obstacles brought on from the pandemic and more. Here are some questions you may find yourself needing answers to:
1. How do I vote with a an absentee/mail-in ballot?
You must apply for an absentee/mail-in ballot by noon on Oct. 31, but experts advise you do so no later than Oct. 27. Otherwise your ballot is likely not to arrive in time to be filled out and returned. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 2 to be counted.
2. Where do I send my application?
You can mail it to your county’s board of elections. You can also place your application in the drop boxes located at your county’s board of elections. A drop box is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Cuyahoga County, a second drop box is available in the entrance lobby during business hours. Envelopes aren’t necessary if you use the drop box.
Others can drop off your application for you. Voter advocacy groups and nonprofits often collect and deliver applications on your behalf.
3. How do I fill out my ballot?
You will receive a ballot and two envelopes. Fill out your ballot sheet with a black or blue pen, making sure to completely fill in the ovals.
Fill out and sign all highlighted areas on the ID envelope and then place the completed ballot inside the ID envelope. Do not remove the stub from your ballot or it will not be counted.
Seal your ID envelope and place it inside the return envelope. Seal the return envelope.
If you mail the ballot, make sure the return envelope is postmarked by Nov. 2, otherwise it won’t be counted. Ballots postmarked by Nov. 2 can be received up to 10 days after Nov. 3 and still be counted.
4. Can I drop off my ballot in-person before the election?
Yes, ballots can be placed in the drop boxes at boards of elections until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, but they cannot be dropped off at individual polling places.
5. Who can deliver my ballot?
You or a close relative can place your ballot in the designated drop box. Ohio law classifies a close relatives as a spouse, father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, grandfather, grandmother, brother, sister, half-sibling, son, daughter, adopting parent, adopted child, stepparent, stepchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece.
6. How do I vote in-person before Election Day?
You go to your county board of elections.
7. What identification do I need to vote early in-person?
A valid ID that includes your photo, name and current address. An Ohio driver’s license or state ID card that expired on or after March 9 is valid through the Nov. 3 election because of COVID-19.
Also allowed are a military ID or, if current within 12 months, a utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck.
8. What are the hours and days of early in-person voting in Ohio?
Oct. 26-Oct. 30: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Oct. 31: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nov. 1: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov. 2: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
9. Where are the boards of elections for the seven counties that make up Greater Cleveland?
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections: 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland 44115
Summit County Board of Elections: 470 Grant Street, Akron 44311 (early voting is next door at 500 Grant Street)
Lorain County Board of Elections:1985 North Ridge Road East, Lorain 44055.
Geauga County Board of Elections: 470 Center Street, Building #6-A, Chardon 44024
Lake County Board of Elections: 105 Main Street, Ste. 107, Painesville 44077; mailing address, P.O. Box 490 Painesville, OH 44077-0490
Portage County Board of Elections: 449 South Meridian Street, Room 101, Ravenna 44266
Medina County Board of Elections: 3800 Stonegate Drive, Suite C, Medina 44256; mailing address, P.O. Box 506, Medina, OH 44258
To learn more about voting in this election, please visit the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections site at https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/. Be sure to vote for the issues you care about and for someone who represents those issues, and always remember to have a voting plan!