COLUMBUS, Ohio—(AVC News)–We are now just days away from the November 3rd, Mid Term Election, and early voting is underway here in the Buckeye State.
Voters will be choosing a candidate for all of Ohio’s major statewide offices, including governor, lt governor, secretary of state, auditor and treasurer.
In addition, there are a number of contested races on the state and federal level as well as some local races, levies, issues and questions.
State Issue 3
Ohio voters will make their voice heard on State Issue Three. The proposed state constitutional amendment would require voters to present photo ID to vote in person as well as requiring absentee voters to also provide a photo ID or a signature plus on unique identifier authorized by law.
This additional requirement would be in addition to Ohio’s current law that requires voters to present photo ID while voting, with accepted forms of ID including a valid Ohio driver’s license or ID card, U.S. passport, and U.S. military ID.
Ohio law also requires absentee voters to provide a copy of their photo ID, an Ohio driver’s license or ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Voter approval of State Issue 3 would enshrine the voter ID requirements into the state constitution, making it harder for future legislative changes or manipulation.
Early, In-Person voting numbers up, but mail in ballot activity down
Early voting, in-person and absentee, began on October 6. Initial voting figures from across the state indicate in-person voting numbers were surging to nearly double that of four years ago, while absentee, mail-in voting dropped by nearly 25%. For example, sources say the first few days of early in-person voting in Cuyahoga County was up 250% compared to the 2022 mid-term election.
As a reminder, absentee ballots must be received by your local board of elections, by mail, hand delivered or placed in their drop box by the close of polls on election day to be counted.
There is no longer a grace period in Ohio.
Board of Elections hours leading up to Election Day
Early in-person voting hours at Board of Election Offices statewide;
October 12-16 and 19-23; 8 am until 5 pm
Saturday, October 24; 8 am until 4 pm
October 26; 7:30 am until 7:30 pm
October 27; 7:30 am until 8:30 pm—This is the deadline to submit an application for absentee ballot
October 28-30; 7:30 am until 7:30 pm
Saturday October 31; 8 am until 4 pm
Sunday November 1; 1 pm until 5 pm Last day for early, in-person voting.
Polls open on Election Day, November 3, from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm
