Voting is essential to ensuring our government works for us. This is a midterm election, meaning many local offices and issues will be on the ballot. In addition, here in Ohio, we will be voting to elect a new senator and voting in the governor’s race. These elections matter, and your vote matters.
Election day is just a few short weeks away. There’s a lot to remember as Nov. 8 approaches, so here is a compilation of all the most important things to consider and plan before you go to the polls.
Make a Plan
Step one in preparing to vote is to check your voter registration. If you are registered in Ohio you can check with just one step at this link: https://voterlookup.ohiosos.gov/voterlookup.aspx.
If you are registered to vote in Ohio, you can check your polling location and view a sample ballot here: https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters/toolkit/polling-location/.
When you show up to vote in person, whether early or on election day, you will need to bring a valid ID. Examples include an unexpired Ohio driver’s license, a state ID card or a military ID. See more acceptable forms of ID here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/id-requirements/.
Make sure to be prepared leading up to election day. Make it a priority to vote. Think through all the essential questions: Am I working? Do I have a class? What time can I vote? How will I get to my polling place? What could go wrong? Can I vote early?
How to vote early
Early voting has already begun if you are registered to vote in Ohio. If you would like to vote early, you must go to your county’s board of elections. You can find the location for your county here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/early-voting/. If you are registered to vote in Kent, the Portage County board of elections is located at:
449 S Meridian St. Ravenna, OH 44266
You can still vote by absentee! If you are interested in voting by mail, find more information here, and don’t forget to request your ballot ASAP: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/absentee-voting/.
What’s on the ballot
The final step to being prepared to vote is knowing what to vote for. Ballotpedia’s sample ballot tool is a great resource to get more information on the candidates and issues on your ballot. First, it will have you input some basic information and then it will show you everything you will be voting on. You will be able to click on the candidates and issues for more information. This site is a great place to start your research. It is important to have as much information as possible when you go to the polls.
Register to vote
If you live in Ohio, the deadline has passed to register to vote in the Nov. 8 election, but it is never too soon to get registered for the next election. Ohioans can register by mail, in person or online. Here is the link to register online: https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/
If you do not live in Ohio, you can check your state’s registration deadline and find more information here: https://www.usvotefoundation.org/vote/state-elections/state-election-dates-deadlines.htm#Federal%20and%20State. Depending on your state’s laws, it may not be too late to register for the upcoming election.