This year there are more concerns than ever about polling place procedures, rules and security, so we’ve summarized those issues here:

Bring Your Identification: An Ohio driver’s license, military ID, utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck. See the full list online; VoteOhio.gov 

Distributing Literature Outside of Polls/Display of Yard Signs: Campaign representatives may pass out literature or hold signs but must stay at least 100 feet from the poll entrance. The same is true for placement of yard signs.

Political apparel/buttons: No campaign t-shirts, buttons, hats or other partisan items are permitted inside the polling place. They must be removed or concealed at the100 foot boundary. A t-shirt can simply be turned inside out if that conceals the political message or a jacket zipped over it.

People present outside the 100 foot perimeter: Anyone can stand outside the 100 foot perimeter. It’s ok for people to wave flags, hang out in the parking lot, etc. at polling locations. It is NOT ok for anyone to harass or intimidate voters or others present.

Harassment: Report harassment/intimidation to the Voting Location Manager at the polling location where the activity is taking place. The Election Protection Hotline should also be contacted at 866-OUR-VOTE.

Security: Report any visible firearms on the property to the Voting Location Manager. Call 911 if you feel in danger. Additionally, report the issue to the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

Health: All poll workers will wear masks and will sanitize surfaces and devices. All voters are strongly encouraged to wear masks to protect other voters and poll workers. If a voter arrives without a mask, a disposable mask will be provided; if the voter refuses to wear the offered mask s/he will be asked to use Curbside Voting. If the voter refuses both options s/he will be permitted to vote.

Poll Workers: All poll workers are trained by the county Board of Elections. Each election site is staffed by an equal number of Democrats and Republicans. If you have a complaint about a poll worker, ask to speak with the Voting Location Manager at your polling location. If the issue is not resolved, call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE

Election Observers: Election observers are representatives from political campaigns or good government groups that are stationed in the building to observe the process. All election observers must be qualified electors of the State of Ohio, appointed prior to the deadline, and have taken the oath administered by an election official. The election observer is not permitted to interact with the public and will contact their organization to report any observed abnormalities.

Problems:
• No ID? If you are able to get the ID and return, then do it. If you don’t have time or transportation, then you say “I would like to vote provisionally” You must then appear in person at the Board of Elections to provide proof of identity within the seven days immediately following Election Day. Once you do that, your vote is counted.
• If you are told that you are not on the voter rolls, ask if the records show that you are registered to vote but are at the wrong polling place. If the issue can’t be resolved, ask to speak to the Voting Location Manager. Still no resolution? Ask for a provisional ballot.
• If you are asked to complete a provisional ballot because you requested a vote-by-mail ballot and now wish to vote in person. Yes, this is the rule; your provisional ballot will be counted after the Board of Elections confirms, on November 13, that the vote-by-mail ballot wasn’t returned within 10 days after the election.
• For any problem that cannot be resolved, the poll worker should offer you a provisional ballot. If not, ask for it.