Questions Answered: Voting in 2020

 

Every four years in the United States, the country holds an election to vote for the President of the United States of America. This election also includes voting for members of the House of Representatives, as well as some statewide elected offices. Every six years, United States Senators are up for election; however, neither Ohio Senator is up for election this year. The election is always held on the first Tuesday of November (unless the first day of November happens to be a Tuesday). Although Election Day is November 3, registered Ohio voters can vote early and in-person between October 6 and November 2.

Important dates to remember: 

  1. Election Day is November 3, 2020

  2. In Ohio, you must register to vote by October 5, 2020

  3. Absentee and in-person early voting starts October 6, 2020

In qualify to vote, you must:

  1. Be a citizen of the United States;

  2. Be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the next general election. (If you will be 18 on or before November 2, you may vote in the primary election for candidates, but cannot vote on issues until you are 18);

  3. Be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days immediately before the election in which you want to vote;

  4. Not be incarcerated (in prison or jail) for a felony conviction under the laws of this state, another state or the United States;

  5. Not have been declared incompetent for voting purposes by a probate court; and

  6. Not have been permanently disenfranchised for violating the election laws.

  7. Be eligible to vote in elections held in your voting precinct 30 consecutive days after you are duly registered to vote in this state; however, you may request an absentee ballot during that period.

Where can you register to vote? You may obtain a form in person, and register in person, at any of the following locations:

  • The office of the Secretary of State;

  • The office of any of the 88 county boards of elections;

  • The office of the registrar or any Deputy Registrar of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles;

  • Public libraries;

  • Public high schools or vocational schools;

  • County treasurers' offices; or

  • Offices of designated agencies including:

    • The Department of Job and Family Services;

    • The Department of Health (including the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program);

    • The Department of Mental Health;

    • The Department of Developmental Disabilities;

    • The Rehabilitation Services Commission; or

    • Any state-assisted college or university that provides assistance to disabled students.

Where do I vote?

If you are voting on Election Day, you can cast your ballot at the polling place designated to serve the precinct in which you are registered. Click here to find the Election Day polling site for your precinct. If you are voting early in-person, you must vote at your County’s Board of Elections. See below for those locations:

Do I need an ID to vote?

The short answer is yes, you do need to present some form of acceptable identification to verify your identity at the polls. There are numerous forms of acceptable ID, all of which may be found here.

How do absentee ballots work?

The absentee ballot process can be confusing, but voting absentee by mail may be a preferable option for those who will be unable to vote in-person, or may have concerns about coronavirus or long lines. Watch the video below from WOSU to learn more about requesting an absentee ballot:

 
 

Where can I request an absentee ballot?

  • Option 1: Print your request and mail it to your county Board of Elections

    1. Fill out your request online, download and then mail it in

    2. Download and print a blank application request

  • Option 2: Have an application mailed to you

    1. Request Your Application Online

    2. Call Your Board of Elections and Request an Application

  • Option 3: Make your own application and mail it in

    1. How to make your own Absentee Ballot Application

Where can voters with disabilities find accessible absentee ballots?

If you are a voter with a qualifying disability who wants to use the accessible absentee voting system, you may submit Form 11-G or other written application beginning January 1st of the year of the election or 90 days before the election, whichever is earlier. All applications must be returned by noon on the Saturday before Election Day.

Is accessible absentee voting online voting?

No, accessible absentee voting is not online voting. When you mark your ballot, there is no connection to the internet or any server. The accessible absentee voting system does not store or transmit your selections over the internet, and there is not an option for returning a marked ballot online, electronically or by email. You only need internet access to receive the email with the link to your ballot.

Who may I contact if I need help or have issues with the accessible absentee voting system?

You should contact your local board of elections.

 
Isaiah BakerColumbus, Cleveland, Toledo