It's officially November. You know what that means: it's time to vote! Encouragement to vote in this election has been everywhere the past month. Whether you opened Facebook, Instagram or turned on the TV, there is a motivating reminder to exercise your right. But, when Election Day on Nov. 3 rolls around, do you know what to do? Here are five things to know for Election Day:
Bring a valid form of ID
You must provide a valid ID to vote in the state of Ohio. Identification Requirements can be complex, so here is a breakdown of what is and what is not acceptable according to the Secretary of State website:
Types of valid ID:
Photo ID defined as any U.S. government or state of Ohio-issued document that includes the following:
- An expiration date that has not passed
- Photograph of voter
- The voter's name, which must match the name listed in the Poll List or Poll Book
- Voter's current address which must match that in the Poll List/Book unless the ID is an Ohio driver's license or state-issued ID card
Military ID
Utility Bill (services such as water, electric, heating, cable, internet, cellular telephone, sewer)
Bank Statement
Government check, paycheck or another government document
If you chose to use a utility bill, bank statement, government check or paycheck as a form of identification, here are the requirements: It must be current within 12 months of Election Day. The name and address on the document must match the voter's Poll Book information. It may be a printout of an electronically transmitted copy or a paper copy.
Suppose you do not have any of the listed forms of identification. In that case, the Ohio Secretary of State website states:
"You may provide either your Ohio driver's license or state identification number (which begins with two letters followed by six numbers) or the last four digits of your Social Security number and cast a provisional ballot. Once the information is reviewed and verified by the board of elections, your ballot will be counted. If you do not provide one of the above documents or your driver's license/state identification number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number at the precinct, you will still be able to vote using a provisional ballot. However, for that ballot to be counted, you must return to the board of elections no later than seven days following Election Day to provide a qualifying form of identification."
Ohio has rules of what is not an acceptable form of ID:
Driver’s license/photo ID card issued by a state other than Ohio
Social Security card
Passport
Insurance card
Any registration acknowledgment notice from the county board of elections
College students: campusvoteproject.org states that student ID is not an acceptable form of identification.
Questions? Check out the Ohio Secretary of State website for more detailed information.
Know your polling location
There is a possibility your usual voting location could have moved due to the pandemic, so be sure to double-check before you head out to vote. Locations will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
The Secretary of State has this handy website for searching your polling location by county and address.
For those in Athens County, click here for an official list of precincts with voting locations for Nov. 3 provided by the Athens County Board of Elections. You can also search your polling location using your Athens County address here.
Know your rights
If the polls close while you are still in line, stay in line because you have the right to vote.
Bring water and a mask
Prepare to wait in line, bring water to stay hydrated while you wait and wear a mask to protect yourself and everyone around you!
Do your research
Research the presidential candidates, Congress candidates and local ballot issues to help decide whom to vote for. To see a sample ballot, check out your county's board of elections website; here is Athens County.
For those who are unable to enter the polling location to vote, curbside voting from the comfort of your car is an option. Contact your county board of elections for more specific information.
