Election season is here, with the Ohio May 3 primary quickly approaching! We know that this year has been particularly tough with ongoing redistricting news and uncertainty over the primary. While things are still pending, it is especially important for us advocates to help voters and clear up any confusion there may be with correct and updated information.
The Ohio Voter Rights Coalition remains committed to providing voters with accurate information so that all Ohio voters can have their vote counted and their voices heard at the ballot box. That’s why we want to give you a voter checklist to make sure you are prepared to vote in the May 3 primary.
Be registered to vote
I confirmed that I am registered to vote at my current address by visiting https://voterlookup.ohiosos.gov/voterlookup.aspx
I asked my family members to confirm their registration status by visiting https://voterlookup.ohiosos.gov/voterlookup.aspx
I asked my friends to confirm their registration status by visiting https://voterlookup.ohiosos.gov/voterlookup.aspx
Be ready to vote
I looked up what’s on my ballot at https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters/toolkit/sample-ballot/
I know which candidates and issues I want to vote for.
I understand that this ballot will not contain state House and Senate races. Those races will appear in a second primary, likely in August.
Make a plan to vote
I want to vote by mail.
I will request my absentee ballot by noon on April 30.
I will request my ballot by filling out this online application and mailing it to my Board of Elections: https://www.ohiosos.gov/globalassets/elections/forms/11-a_english.pdf
I will call or visit my Board of Elections and ask they mail me an application.
I will hand write the requested information on a blank piece of paper.
I will return my ballot at least two to three weeks before Election Day. I will look for options to return my ballot in person.
If I am returning my ballot by mail, I will postmark it by May 2.
If I am returning my ballot in person, I will drop it off at my Board of Elections by 7:30pm on May 3.
I want to vote early. I will find my voting early location at https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/early-voting/
I want to vote in person on Election Day. I will find my polling place at https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters/toolkit/polling-location/
Know your voting rights
If you are in line when polls are supposed to close, stay in line — you have the right to vote.
If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.
If the machines are down at your polling place, ask for a paper ballot.
If your citizenship, criminal record, or other qualifications are questioned, immediately call the Election Protection Hotline where trained volunteers are available to help.
If you run into any problems or have questions before or on Election Day, call the Election Protection hotline. Save these numbers in your phone!
English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683
Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682
Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US / 1-844-925-5287
Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese: 1-888-API-VOTE / 1-888-274-8683
Help ensure every vote is counted
Join the Ohio Voter Rights Coalition to hear updates on the voting landscape in Ohio and how you can take action when the need arises.
Sign up to be a poll monitor in Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati and support voters at the polls in person. Register for our poll monitor training on Thursday, April 28 at 6pm!
Spread the word about the Election Protection Hotline 866-OUR-VOTE with this social media toolkit.