Voting is one of the most important rights in any democracy, but disabled people, especially incarcerated disabled people, continue to face unique challenges when it comes to voting in America. Our mission at DRO is to eliminate those challenges through legal and legislative advocacy while answering any questions our community may have in the meantime.

The perspectives of people with disabilities are vital to realizing an equitable future and DRO is dedicated to making sure these perspectives play their part in molding our democracy.

This page is designed to answer all your questions when it comes to voting so that you can create a better future for all of us! You can also contact Disability Rights Ohio with your voting concerns or questions at 614-466-7264 or 800-282-9181. DRO also operates a Voter Hotline on Election Day from 6:30am to 7:30pm to assist you on Election Day.

Important Dates and Links: SOS Voting Calendar

• April 7th: Deadline to Register to Vote!
• April 8th: Absentee Voting By Mail
• April 8th - May 4th: Early In-Person Voting
• April 29th: Absentee Ballot Applications Must Be Received
• May 6th: Election Day! Polls Open from 6:30 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots must be returned. 

Ways to Vote

Voting by Absentee Ballot

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is by the close of business on the 7th day before the election in which you want to vote.

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 the day before the Election (November 4, 2024)
• Must be received by the county BoE no later than 4 days after the Election (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 (November 5, 2024).
• 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

Starting the day after the close of voter registration (October 8, 2024), registered voters may cast an early in-person ballot at their county BoE.

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, want to plan ahead to better ensure accessibility, 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 are encouraged make sure that their polling places are accessible before they vote on 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 to ensure it is accessible.
• Polling locations can and do change. We encourage you to find your most updated polling place here.