Ohio: How to vote, where to vote and what’s on the ballot
Voters in Ohio will decide Tuesday on ballot measures that would add abortion rights to the state Constitution and legalize the recreational use of marijuana.
Abortion rights advocates have made gains in ballot measures across the country, but their fight in Ohio could be especially tough.
Here’s what else you need to know:
How to vote
In-person voting in Ohio will take place Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Voters must bring valid identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card, to their polling stations. A law that came into effect this year changed what types of identification can be used to vote in Ohio, requiring voters to show photo ID at the polls. Forms of identification such as utility bills or pay slips are no longer eligible.
The Secretary of State’s website maintains a complete list of acceptable types of identification.
Only Ohio residents who have already registered to vote may vote; the deadline for new voters to register for this election has passed. Voters who are unsure if they are registered can check by entering their name in Ohio’s Voter search tool.
Where to vote
Voters can find their polling place by selecting their county and home address on the website of the State Secretary.
It’s too late to return an absentee ballot by mail, but registered voters who received one but didn’t mail it in by Monday’s deadline can still deliver it in person to their local board of elections.
What’s on the ballot?
Voters in Ohio will weigh in on two ballot initiatives on Tuesday. The first, State Issue 1, would amend the state constitution to protect access to abortion in the state. The amendment does not set a specific limit on when an abortion can occur during a pregnancy, although it would allow lawmakers to restrict post-viability abortions in separate legislation after the initiative passes.
The other measure on the ballot, State Issue 2, would legalize the sale and use of marijuana by Ohioans who are 21 or older. The drug is legal for medical use in Ohio.
Voters can find a sample ballot for their county, complete with local elections, on the website Ohio Secretary of State website.