#AdvocacyMatters: Preparing for the Polls

November 1, 2024 / #AdvocacyMatters

Election Day is almost here, and between the political ads, shifting rules, and extra noise, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Our team has been hard at work making sure you have the tools, resources, and information to help you #PlanYourVote. With just a few days left, now is the time to prepare yourself for a successful trip to the polls.

Voting by Mail via Absentee Ballot:

• Absentee Ballots must be postmarked by Monday, November 4th, and must be received by your local Board of Elections by Saturday, November 9th.
• You must return your absentee ballot to the drop box located outside of your county’s Board of Electionsbefore the close of the polls at 7:30PM on Election Day (November 5, 2024).
• An individual with a disability can receive assistance returning their absentee ballot from any person of their choice. However, the Secretary of State recently issued a new directive which requires any individual assisting a voter with disability with the return of their absentee ballot to sign an attestation and return the absentee ballot inside of the office of the County Board of Election. (SOS Directive 2024-21).

Voting Early In-Person:

• Early in-person voting continues through Sunday, November 3rd. The polls will be closed on Monday, November 4th

Voting In-Person on Election Day:

• On Election Day, if you plan to vote in-person you must cast your ballot at your designated polling place between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Assistance with marking your ballot:
If a voter cannot mark their ballot, or needs assistance due to a disability, a voter may receive assistance from any person of their choice.* Voters can also request assistance from poll workers.

*anyone may assist a disabled voter, except for the following: a candidate whose name appears on the ballot, the voter’s employer, or an agent of the voter’s union.

Curbside voting:
Ohio voters with disabilities can also vote curbside if they are unable to enter their polling location. To use curbside voting, a voter will contact poll workers at their polling location, and two poll workers will bring a ballot out to the voter’s car. Polling places and boards of election must provide curbside voting assistance when requested.

Don’t get overwhelmed – our team is here to help! As always, DRO’s Voter Hotline will be available all day on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at (800) 282 – 9181 or 614-466-7264. If you have voting questions before election day, you can contact DRO’s regular intake line at 614-466-7264.

Our full library of voting resources is available 24/7 at disabilityrightsohio.org/vote

#AdvocacyMatters