I prefer to vote on Election Day. Call me nostalgic, but it feels traditional to vote on the actual day prescribed for this democratic process.
I also like to keep my options open during the entire campaign season just in case something is uncovered about an issue or my preferred candidate.
But for those who can’t – or don’t want to – vote on Election Day, early voting is a becoming a popular option.
Convenience voting is a newer trend that will likely become more accommodating. Scholars even suggest that all of America might eventually have an “Election Month.”
This year, the Lucas County location for in-person early voting was in limbo until just recently. Finally, under a deadline from the Ohio Secretary of State, the Board of Elections selected the Summit YMCA, 1500 N. Superior St.
Good thing, too, because early voting in Ohio starts Oct. 2 – 35 days before the Nov. 6 election.
Who is eligible to vote early? All registered voters in Ohio can vote early, no excuse necessary. Just show up with proof of identity. If a person isn’t registered to vote, the form must be postmarked or received by Oct. 9. To get the form, go to http://www.sos.state.oh.us/.
Those who want to vote early should note that voting hours aren’t always 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For instance, people can vote from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 9, or 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 22 through Oct. 26. Don’t forget that Oct. 8 is Columbus Day so early voting at the YMCA will be closed for the holiday.
The hours are convenient for those who work later hours and need the extra time to get to the YMCA. Early voting also appeals to those who are disabled. Kim McConnell, spokeswoman, for the Ohio Legal Rights Service, said her agency doesn’t advocate for or against early voting rights, but wants everyone to have an equal chance to vote.
Many times those who are disabled need to make arrangements that some voters take for granted.
“It enables them to arrange for transportation and for those who can’t wait in long lines, early voting helps them,” McConnell said.
Absentee ballots are also popular options for those who worry about weather on Election Day, will be out of the country on vacation, serve in the military or just want to get their ballot cast so they don’t have to worry. Here are some important dates, according to the Secretary of State, to make sure votes get counted in this election:
- Sept. 22: Military and overseas ballots will be sent.
- Oct. 9: Voter registration deadline to vote in the Nov. 6 election.
- Nov. 3: Application for absentee ballots to be mailed, emailed or faxed must be received by the boards of elections office by noon.
- Nov. 6/Election Day. Military and overseas ballots must be signed and mailed by 12:01 a.m.
- Nov. 16: Military and overseas ballots for general election must be received by the Board of Elections.
