Voter Alert: What are your voting rights if you can't get to the polls?
November 1, 2016 / voting
Next Tuesday is Election Day. Our hotline will be open!
Election Day in Ohio is next Tuesday, November 8, and the polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. DRO's Voter Hotline will be open the same hours. We will be available to answer your questions and may be able to provide assistance if your voting rights are being violated.
The hotline number is 614-466-7264 or toll free 800-282-9181; (TTY) 614-728-2553 or toll free 800-858-3542.
What if my disability keeps me from going to the polls?
If a person is unable to travel from his or her home (including an institution, like a nursing facility or hospital) to the voting location on Election Day because of a physical illness or physical or mental disability, he or she may request an absentee ballot from the county board of elections. The special absentee ballot application must be delivered to the county board of elections before noon on Saturday, November 5, and is available on the website of the Ohio Secretary of State.
On this application, the voter must describe the nature of his or her illness or disability and their inability to travel to the voting location on Election Day. Two officials from the county board of elections, one Democrat and one Republican, will then deliver a ballot to the voter, provide any assistance in completing the ballot that is needed and requested, and return it to the board of elections.
What if I am (or my minor child is) unexpectedly hospitalized on or near Election Day?
If you or your minor child are unexpectedly hospitalized in your home county or outside of your home county, you still have a right to vote. Ohio Secretary of State Husted will be issuing a directive and new forms for these situations by the end of the week. DRO will send out an email once that information is released, so be sure to watch your inbox. Sign up for email notifications here.
In the meantime, if you need help please call Disability Rights Ohio at 614-466-7264 or 1-800-282-9181; (TTY) 614-728-2553 or 1-800-858-3542