Last day for in-person early voting is Friday

CINCINNATI - Friday is the last day for in-person voting for the 2011 election in Ohio. Local boards of election have extended hours until 6 p.m. to allow people to vote early to beat the crowds on Election Day.

Early voting has become very popular in recent years upon the loosening of restrictions for absentee voting.  Now, anyone can vote early with no explanation or justification necessary. 

With the November election, several key issues and races are driving more people to the polls.  Voter turnout is expected to be a higher percentage than normal.

The statewide Issue 2 in Ohio has campaigns on both sides spending lots of money to convince those registered how to vote. It is a referendum vote to either keep or repeal the law formerly known as Senate Bill 5.  A "yes" vote keeps the law in place.  A "no" vote repeals the law.

Many local school districts have levies on the ballot, so that usually encourages more voter participation. Districts on the ballot include:

• Cincinnati Public
• Mt. Healthy
• Northwest
• Fairfield
• Lakota
• Little Miami
• Lebanon
• West Clermont
• Three Rivers
• Madeira
• Carlisle

If you'd like to vote through the absentee ballot process, you must submit your request by noon on Saturday, November 5. The completed ballot must be returned to the boards of election by the time the polls close at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.