OHIO

VOTER EMPOWERMENT CARD
Current as of January 31, 2012 www.acluohio.org

Be Prepared! Know how to protect your vote.

What do I need to do in order to vote?

Step 1. Registration. You must be registered 30 days before Election Day in order to vote. Check your registration with the Board of Elections to make sure your name and address are current.

Step 2. Identification. Make sure you have an acceptable form of ID. If you do not have ID, do not wait until the last minute. Get ID ahead of time.

Step 3. Decide when and where to vote. You have a choice between:
• voting early by mail-in absentee ballot;
• voting early in person at the Board of Elections;
• voting in person on Election Day at your local polling place.

STEP 1: REGISTRATION
How do I register to vote?
1. Obtain a voter registration form. Available at the Board of Elections, on the Secretary of State website, Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices, any public high school, and at public libraries.
2. Fill out the form. Follow the instructions carefully and provide all required information.
3. Return the form. Mail your registration form to the Board of Elections or hand deliver it to any of the agencies that provided the form.

How do I check the status of my registration?
• Online: Go to www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/voterquery. aspx?page=361
• By phone: Call your county Board of Elections.
Do I need to update my registration?
It is important that the name and address on your registration is current. If you have moved or changed your name, be sure to file a new voter registration form.

STEP 2: IDENTIFICATION
What forms of ID are acceptable?
You must have one of the following:
• ID card, which can be either:
• A photo ID card with your name and address — such as an Ohio driver's license or state ID card (old address is acceptable), or other government ID (with current address);
• U.S. military ID card with your name and photo (address not required);
• Note: Student ID is not accepted.
• Other ID document that shows your name and current address, such as:
• a copy of a current utility bill (including a cell phone bill), bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document.
• ID number: Ohio driver's license or state ID card number or the last four (4) digits of your social security number.

When is ID required?
Mail-in voters must provide an ID number or a photocopy of their ID card or document when they mail in their absentee ballot.
In-person voters must show an ID card or document in order to cast a regular ballot.
• If you do not have an ID card or document with you, then you can provide an ID number (your driver's license or state ID number or last four digits of your social security number) and cast a provisional ballot. Election officials are required to verify your information before counting your ballot. In person early voters may leave and return with an ID card or document in order to cast a regular ballot.

STEP 3: DECIDE WHEN AND WHERE TO VOTE
How do I vote early by mail-in absentee ballot?
1. You must submit an absentee ballot request form to your local Board of Elections.
• You can obtain the form online at http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/Voters/absentee.aspx or by calling your local Board of Elections.
• Follow the instructions carefully. Provide all required information.
• Mail your completed form as early as possible. Do not wait until the last minute.
2. Mail-in absentee ballots will be available beginning 35 days before Election Day.
3. When you receive your absentee ballot in the mail, follow the instructions carefully. Provide all required information.
4. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the close of polls on Election Day. Mail in your absentee ballot as soon as possible, so that it is received before the deadline.
5. Special rules for military and overseas voters.
• Ohio voters who serve in the military or who are overseas and wish to vote by mail have extra time.
Mail-in voting begins 45 days before Election Day, and the completed absentee ballot must be received by the Board of Elections no later than 10 days after Election Day.
• For more information, please see http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/overseas.aspx

How do I vote early in person at the Board of Elections?
1. Identify the early voting location in your county. Some counties hold early voting at the Board of Elections office, while other counties permit early voting at a different location. Call your Board of Elections to find out where you can vote early.
2. Bring ID and make sure you know your precinct number.
3. Know the dates and hours for early voting.
• Dates: Early voting begins 35 days prior to all primary and general elections. For special elections, voters should call their local Board of Elections to confirm when early voting will be available.
• Hours: Early voting hours may vary. Call your local Board of Elections to be sure what days and times they are open for early voting.

How do I vote in person on Election Day?
1. Locate your polling place and precinct. Write do this information in a place where it will be remembered.
• Look it up online at www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/polling location.aspx?page=361
• Call your local Board of Elections. Be sure to call before Election Day, when they are less busy.
2. Vote in the correct precinct. If you vote in the wrong precinct, you may be required to cast a provisional ballot that may not count. If you are unsure of your precinct, ask a poll worker to assist you.
3. Bring ID.
4. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. By law, you have a right to vote if you are in line at the polling place when the polls close.
5. If you are disabled, poll workers are required to provide assistance. For more information or to report a problem please contact:
• Ohio Secretary of State: 877-767-6446 or http://www.sos.state.oh.us/
• ACLU of Ohio: 216-472-2200 or www.acluohio.org.

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ACLU: PROTECT YOUR VOTE If you have been convicted of a crime, you still have the right to vote.

• If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, you have the right to vote, even if you are incarcerated.

• If you have been arrested for a felony but have not been convicted, you still have the right to vote.

• If you have been convicted of a felony, you may not vote while incarcerated, but you may register to vote using your new address after you are released. You have the right to vote.

• If you live in a halfway house, are on parole, probation, house arrest or any other sort of correctional control, you have the right to vote.

For more information on voting rights, visit www.acluohio.org/vote