#AdvocacyMatters: Your Right, Your Vote

October 27, 2023 / #AdvocacyMatters

A truly equitable society cannot be achieved without the opportunity to vote being accessible to every individual. Assuring every disabled Ohioan the opportunity for their voice to be heard in the upcoming election is pivotal. With less than two weeks to go until Election Day, your path to a successful voting experience on November 7th starts now!

Early voting is a great, accessible option that is available to all Ohioans regardless of disability. There are two primary ways to vote before Election Day in Ohio, by mail with an absentee ballot or by voting early in-person at an early voting location. For early in-person voting, the available times and dates vary depending on the week, and the location varies by county . If you cannot make it to an official polling place, or if you just want to vote from the comfort of your own home, or for any reason at all, you can vote early with an absentee ballot. Requesting your absentee ballot can be done by application downloaded from the Ohio Secretary of State website, by requesting one to be mailed to you, or by requesting one in person at your county board of election office . And there is a remote absentee ballot marking tool for people who are blind or have vision impairments and use screen reader technology and want to vote privately and independently. The deadline to request an absentee ballot has changed. You now must make your request seven days before Election Day. This means that for the November 7 election, you must request your absentee ballot by October 31.

If you need additional help because you are unable to leave your home because of your disability or are confined somewhere like a jail, or if you are unexpectedly hospitalized on Election Day, there are special absentee ballots you can request.

If you’re unsure about whether you’re registered to vote, you can find that information here. All our voting resources are always available at disabilityrightsohio.org/vote. Our Voter Hotline will also be open and taking calls throughout the Election Day on November 7th at 614.466.7264 or 800.282.9181.

#AdvocacyMatters