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Here's everything you need to know for the Nov. 7 general election

Posted at 9:44 AM, Oct 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-07 16:09:11-05

We've been spared the political antics of a presidential election year, but Ohio's communities still have plenty of candidates and issues to consider in Tuesday's general election. 

If you're not sure about your Ohio voter registration status, you can check here. Alternatively, call your county board of elections. You won't be able to vote if you didn't register by Oct. 10.

Want to vote absentee?

Your application to vote absentee need to be received at your county’s board of elections by noon on Saturday, Nov. 4. Absentee ballots are available for request online here. You'll be redirected to your county elections board website to get more information. You can also call to talk to a real human and get more information.

You can't submit an absentee ballot online in Ohio. You can track your absentee ballot online, however.

Absentee ballots need to be postmarked no later than Monday, Nov. 6 and be received at your board of elections within 10 days of the election to be counted.

Voting on Election Day

Early in-person voting began Oct. 11 and extended hours (from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) began Monday, Oct. 30 at county boards of elections. Weekend hours will also be offered on Nov. 4 and 5. Find the full schedule at the website here.

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7. Find your local polling location here and a sample ballot for your precinct at the website here.

To vote in person, you'll need to provide proof of identity and address. The ways to do that include:

  • An unexpired Ohio driver’s license or state identification card with present or former address so long as the voter’s present residential address is printed in the official list of registered voters for that precinct;
  • A military identification;
  • A photo identification that was issued by the United States government or the State of Ohio, that contains the voter’s name and current address and that has an expiration date that has not passed;
  • An original or copy of a current utility bill with the voter’s name and present address;
  • An original or copy of a current bank statement with the voter’s name and present address;
  • An original or copy of a current government check with the voter’s name and present address;
  • An original or copy of a current paycheck with the voter’s name and present address; or
  • An original or copy of a current other government document (other than a notice of voter registration mailed by a board of elections) that shows the voter’s name and present address.

Voters in Cincinnati will see incumbent Mayor John Cranley facing a challenge from City Councilwoman Yvette Simpson for the nonpartisan mayoral election. Statewide, voters will decide on Issue 2, whose proponents claim it will lower drug costs for millions of Buckeyes. 

Check your county's official list of candidates and ballot issues in the links below: 

Have other questions?

Check the Secretary of State's special website here for all election-related information.