Just as school begins, election time is right around the corner. That might be intimidating for new students, transfers or anyone not from Greene County. While living on campus for the first time can be exciting, there may be lots of confusing legal aspects to it: Should your license list your home address or campus apartment? Where do you vote? Can you vote if you are from a different state?
On Sept. 15 from 11-1, Gina Keucher and The League of Women's Voters will be hosting a tabling event in the Union Market.
"We will have the papers that everybody can register to vote, and we also will have computers so that they can go ahead and register online if that's easier," Keucher said.
To vote in Ohio, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age on or before Election Day and a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days. Registration closes Oct. 5, so students should confirm their registration early. Students can register to vote at several designated agencies, including the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (often called the BMV), county treasurer offices, public libraries and the Greene County Board of Elections. Sometimes, there are also volunteers around campus checking voter registration.
Voters must show a valid identification at the polling office to cast their ballot. Acceptable forms include a valid Ohio driver’s license, a state-issued photo ID, a military ID, or a copy of another current government photo ID. Copies must include both the front and back of the document, except for passports, which only require the identification page.
Early voting begins a few weeks before Election Day. It allows flexibility for students who may have classes or work during Nov. 3. To vote early in-person, just show up with proper ID at the Board of Elections office on Ledbetter Road if registered in Greene County.
Absentee voting is another option, if far from home or without transportation. Voters must request a ballot in advance, which will be mailed to the address received. If an Ohio resident, there are two ways to request an absentee ballot: call your county board of elections and request a mailed absentee ballot or complete the online absentee ballot request, print it, sign in and mail it to your county board of elections. Similarly, if from out-of-state, follow the same protocol for your home county.
Requests must be received at least seven days before Election Day.
Students serving in the military or studying abroad have other options. The Federal Post Card Applications (FPCA) allows eligible voters to register and request ballots over the entire year. Ohio accepts FPCA applications through mail, email or fax. No witness or notary is necessary. Military voters may also request the standard absentee application.
It is important to look over the potential ballot beforehand to understand county-specific issues and local, state or federal options. Students may review the sample ballot through Ohio Secretary of State’s website or the Greene County Board of Elections.
"The biggest resource is the Ohio Board of Elections. I would go directly to that site, and find out as much as you possibly can," Keucher said.
