CLEVELAND — There's a lot you need to know before casting your ballot this election year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Don't worry! We've got you covered!
Below we've compiled a guide that features every important question you might have about this year's November election. Happy voting!
WHEN IS ELECTION DAY?
Tuesday, Nov. 3.
WHEN ARE THE POLLS OPEN?
Ohio's polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Remember, you are still permitted to vote as long as you're in line before the polls close at 7:30 p.m.
HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE?
The deadline to register for the Nov. 3 election passed back on Oct. 5. Sorry.
WHERE IS MY POLLING PLACE?
You can find your polling location HERE.
WHAT RACES ARE ON MY BALLOT?
There are a handful of issues in each county from tax levies to charter amendments. But what about your area's specific issues? CLICK HERE to see a sample of your local ballot so you can study up before the results start coming in.
WHAT COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS ARE IN PLACE?
Elections officials have released a 48-point plan to keep voters safe during the election amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns. The main highlights of the safety plan are:
- Routine cleaning of voting machines and e-pollbooks.
- Mask requirements and regular hand washing for all poll workers.
- Social distancing recommendations.
- Making curbside voting available.
You can read the full COVID-19 safety plan below:
WHAT FORM OF ID SHOULD I BRING SO I CAN VOTE?
You need to have a form of ID with you to cast a ballot on election day. Acceptable forms of identification are listed HERE.
WHAT IF I FORGET MY ID?
You can cast a provisional ballot by providing your Ohio driver's license or state identification number OR the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once the information is reviewed and verified by the board of elections, your ballot will be counted.
But... There's more...
"If you do not provide one of the above documents or your driver’s license/state identification number or the last four digits of your Social Security number at the precinct, you will still be able to vote using a provisional ballot," according to the Ohio Secretary of State site. "However, in order for that ballot to be counted, you must return to the board of elections no later than seven days following Election Day to provide a qualifying form of identification."
WHAT'S THE DEADLINE FOR ABSENTEE VOTING?
Mail-in absentee ballots had to be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 2. Your only option now is to submit that absentee ballot at your local Board of Elections before the polls close at 7:30 p.m.
HOW DO I TRACK MY ABSENTEE BALLOT?
Simple. There's a tracking tool for all Ohio voters to use HERE.
DO I HAVE TO MAIL MY ABSENTEE BALLOT?
No, but it's too late for that option anyway. You still have time to submit your absentee ballot into a secure drop box at your county's Board of Elections location. Again, the deadline to drop of your ballot is the same time the polls close -- at 7:30 p.m. on election day.
IS THERE EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING?
Yes, but this option is now closed. State officials said 3.4 million Ohioans voted early, shattering all previous records. Here was the early voting schedule in Ohio:
- Oct. 6-16 (weekdays only): 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Oct. 19-23: 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 24: 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 25 from 1-5 p.m.
- Oct. 26-30: 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 31: 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 1: 1-5 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 2: 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
WHAT TIME WILL RESULTS COME IN?
We expect to see the first results shortly after 7:30 p.m. LaRose said, however, Ohioans need to be mindful that these will not be "official" results due to the expected increase in absentee ballots because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state is changing the way it reports results on election night to clearly state the number of outstanding absentee ballots that have not yet been tabulated.
WHERE CAN I WATCH FOR RESULTS?
We will showcase live results all night long after the polls close at wkyc.com/elections. Be sure to follow WKYC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for our complete coverage. Here's what you can expect from 3News:
- A live blog on WKYC.com with real-time updates that kicks off Tuesday morning and will carry updated details throughout election day.
- Live updates and reports on GO! from 4:30-7 a.m.
- Results, expert analysis and voter reaction as our reporters bring you every detail from the presidential race, local issues and school levies that matter most to you and your family: Watch for these updates on What's New at 5 p.m., What Matters Most at 6 p.m. and What's Next at 11 p.m.
- We'll have a live 3News election show from 8:30-10:30 p.m. on WKYC.com and the WKYC app hosted by Jay Crawford, Tiffany Tarpley and Dave "Dino" DeNatale. This will offer you a live look around town from our reporters in the field. Experts, including former 3News' political correspondent Tom Beres, will analyze everything we're seeing. Also, don't miss our voter panel discussion, which will be part of this special streaming coverage.
- 3News will also offer updates from across Ohio with our sister stations in Toledo (WTOL) and Columbus (WBNS).
- We will share your photos, videos and comments.