Know your rights! Understanding the laws in Ohio surrounding your right to vote is important this election day!
#BetterTogether is brought to you by the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
It can be confusing- all the legal jargon and laws surrounding voting and polling locations.
4 Frequently Asked Questions About Your Voting Rights
1) Can I bring someone to assist me? Yes! If you cannot mark your ballot or need assistance due to your disability, you can bring someone to assist you. Precinct election officials can also help. The only people who cannot help are:
- Your employer
- An agent of your employer or union
- A candidate who appears on your ballot
2) Is my polling place accessible? In Ohio, all polling places must be accessible to voters with disabilities. This means you are entitled to:
- parking
- route to the entrance/the entrance
- path to the voting area
- voting area
- voting machine
3) Will my absentee ballot be counted? Yes. According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s website, “All absentee ballots that are received on time and meet Ohio’s legal requirements will be counted and included in the official election returns.”
4) Do I need to have a reason to vote by absentee ballot? No. In Ohio, all registered voters are able to vote via absentee ballot.
Remember:
- If you are in line when the polls close, stay in line. You can still vote.
- Make a mistake on your ballot? You can ask for a new one.
- If the machines at your polling place are not working, ask for a paper ballot.
In the future, know that voters with physical illness or physical disability may be eligible to have a provisional ballot delivered to them.
The Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities (TuscBDD) has resources for children and adults with developmental disabilities. TuscBDD provides Early Intervention for children birth to three years old, Service and Support Administration for people of all ages, family support services, family mentorship, and more! To learn more about these services and others, visit TuscBDD online at www.tuscbdd.org or call them at (330) 308-7173.
Audrey Mattevi
Reporting
