#AdvocacyMatters: Your Right, Your Vote

October 18, 2024 / #AdvocacyMatters

The November 5th General Election is just over 2 weeks away. No matter how you plan to participate, the path to a successful voting experience starts now. Use the helpful information below to finalize your voting plan.

Voting by Absentee Ballot

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Monday, October 28th, 2024. Absentee ballot applications must be received by your board of elections by 8:30 p.m. on October 29th, 2024.

Applications:

• Absentee ballot application (Form 11-A)
• Request to use remote ballot marking system (Form 11-G)
• Confined voter or voter with a personal illness, physical disability, or infirmity (Form 11-F)
• Medical emergency (Form 11-B)

Mailing your absentee ballot:

• Must be postmarked by November 4, 2024, the day before the Election.
• Must be received by the county BoE no later than November 9, 2024.

Delivering your absentee ballot in person to your county BoE:

• You must return it to the drop box located outside of your county BoE before the close of the polls at 7:30PM on Election Day.
• An individual with a disability can receive assistance with returning their absentee ballot by a 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 is available now thru November 3rd. You can check early in-person voting dates and times here.

Voting in-person on Election Day

On Election Day, if you plan to vote in-person you must cast your ballot in your precinct 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 2 poll workers from opposite major political parties or anyone may help, except for the following: candidate whose name appears on the ballot, employer or employer’s agent, officer, or agent of a union.

Curbside voting:
Ohio voters with disabilities can also vote curbside, if they are physically unable to enter their polling location.

Tips to Help Plan Your Vote

• Voters should submit their requests and ballot applications as far in advance of the election as possible.
• Voting by an absentee ballot is a great way for people to vote from their own homes. When possible, we encourage voters with disabilities who have an absentee ballot to use the mail to return their ballot, rather than the drop box at their county BoE.
• If you are needing assistance with returning your absentee ballot and are unable to mail it to the BoE, please make sure to plan ahead and arrive at your county BoE during office hours, as any individual assisting a voter with a disability with the return of their absentee ballot will need to go into the office of their county BoE to sign an attestation.
• If you are interested in early voting, you can check the early voting schedule here. Early voting is a great option if you have concerns about transportation for Election Day, a busy or unpredictable schedule, if you have accessibility concerns and want to plan ahead, etc.
• If you plan to vote in-person, either early or on Election Day, please check to see if you have acceptable ID to vote here.
• Voters with disabilities who have accessibility concerns are encouraged to visit their polling places before Election Day. Review the accessibility of your polling place by going to the parking area or bus stop, into the building, and to the room where you will vote..
• Polling locations can and do change. We encourage you to find your most updated polling place here.