BY JILLIAN TEETERS

A lot of us feel very out of control of our lives right now. Our politicians have a lot of control over the response to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. We’re lucky enough to live in a democracy: a country where we each play a role in electing our leaders. It is a right and a duty to voice our opinion through voting in each and every election. 

Ohio’s primary in-person voting (what we consider “Election Day”) was originally scheduled for March 17. Due to justified concerns about community spread, the in-person voting was cancelled. The long and short of the complicated legal and political saga is that Ohio will NOT have in-person voting for the 2020 primary election. So the question becomes: how can we vote?

Below I’ve listed three of the most common ways to vote. If you cannot receive mail or have a qualifying disability, you may be eligible for the limited in-person voting that is being held. All ballots obtained in the methods listed below are considered absentee, meaning that you can vote from the comfort of your own home. Absentee ballots must be postmarked (for those of us not used to snail mail, that means “picked up by a postal worker”) by April 27th. For a quick how-to video, see here.

HOW CAN I VOTE?

• Submit a request for an absentee ballot.

Print off, complete, and mail in this form, pick up an application at these local Kroger stores to mail in, or call 513-632-7000 to request a ballot.

• Fill out the ballot once you receive it. 

You’re welcome to research the candidates or have a list of who you’d like to vote for with you. You can vote anywhere once you receive the ballot, whether that’s your kitchen, your back patio, or your bedroom. 

• Submit your ballot.

You can simply place your completed ballot in the mail (the mailing address is conveniently listed on the top). Ballots must be mailed by April 27th. You can also drop off your ballot at the Board Office in the 24-hour secure drop box by April 28th at 7:30pm. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I confirm this information is up to date?

Check here for the most recent election information for Hamilton County. The information contained in this article was correct according to the information posted on the Hamilton County Board of Elections website as of April 6, 2020.

What happens if I already voted (through absentee or early voting)?

Your vote will still count and cannot be changed. All votes will be counted on April 28.

Who can vote?

Anyone who was eligible to vote on the original date of March 17 is eligible to vote. This includes seventeen-year-olds who will be eighteen by November 3rd. Seventeen-year-olds cannot vote on issues (such as taxes), only on candidates.

Can I register to vote and still vote in this election?

The registration deadline for this election was February 18. You can (and should) register now, but you will not be able to vote until the next election in November. 

For more information on frequently asked questions see here.