In early January, Gov. DeWine signed HB 458, Ohio’s strict photo ID bill, into law. This unnecessary law has drastically changed many of the ways our elections run in Ohio, making our state notorious for barriers to ballot. Find out more about what has practically changed. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about what you can do right now to prepare yourself for the upcoming May primary and future elections under this new law.
1. Check your voter registration!
The first step in voter preparation is always to check your voter registration! In Ohio, you can register to vote and/or check your registration online by visiting VoteOhio.Gov.
The deadline to register to vote is 30 days prior to an election. Therefore, the deadline to register for the May 2, 2023 primary is April 3, 2023.
Even if you’re registered to vote, it’s important to check your registration and be sure everything is accurate. If you’ve moved, turned 18, or changed your name since the last election – you’ll need to update your registration.
2. Decide how you want to vote in the upcoming election.
In Ohio, you can vote by mail, early in-person, or in-person on Election Day. Due to the new changes to election law, here are some things to be aware of when you make your decision.
If you’re voting by mail, your request for an absentee ballot must now be submitted to the Secretary of State’s office a full week before Election Day. Additionally, your ballot must be postmarked by the day before Election Day and must be received 4 days after Election Day (previously, ballots sent by mail could be received 10 days post-election). If you decide to vote by mail, make sure to request and return your ballot as soon as possible to ensure your vote is counted.
If you’re voting in person, either early or on Election Day, there are new changes to what ID you must use (more on that in Step 3). Also important to be aware of are the changes to the early, in-person voting schedule. HB 458 eliminated the opportunity for Ohioans to vote early on the Monday directly before Election Day. We are awaiting directives from the Secretary of State’s Office on how those 6 hours will be reallocated to the previous week.
3. Make sure you have the correct form of ID based on how you chose to vote!
Now that HB 458 is law, Ohioans are severely and unnecessarily restricted on the types of identification they can use to cast their ballot. Though this strict voter ID mandate does not impact those choosing to vote-by-mail, voters who chooses to vote in person, whether it be early or on Election Day, must have one of the following IDs:
- Unexpired Ohio Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- U.S. Military ID with name and photo
- U.S. Passport
Also included in HB 458 is a provision ensuring free State IDs for all Ohioans. As soon as the Secretary of State issues information on this process, we will let you know! In the meantime, check the list of documents needed to acquire a State ID card.
If you have an Ohio driver’s license, check to make sure it does not expire ahead of when you vote. Any of the approved photo IDs (listed above) are not permissible if they are expired. Note – any current driver’s license or a driver’s license that has been expired for less than six months can be renewed at any deputy registrar license agency. However, if you are not yet 21, you cannot renew more than 30 days prior to your birthday.
4. Inform your friends and family of the new changes to Ohio election law.
Now that HB 458 is law, Ohioans are severely and unnecessarily restricted on the types of identification they can use to cast their ballot. Though this strict voter ID mandate does not impact those choosing to vote-by-mail, voters who chooses to vote in person, whether it be early or on Election Day, must have one of the following IDs:
- HB 458: What Changed and Why Does it Harm Ohio Voters?
- What ID Do I Need to Vote in Ohio?
- In-person voting: Before & After HB 458
5. Research the candidates and issues on the ballot & make your plan to go vote!
Research what is on your ballot and go vote! Find your sample ballot online and review the candidates and issues that you’ll be voting on in each election. You can find information on your polling location, early voting location, requesting an absentee ballot, and more by visiting VoteOhio.Gov.
A note about off-year elections: Off-year elections are the elections that take place in the years between midterm and presidential elections. Although they often have less buzz than a presidential election year, off-year elections are hugely important. Most of what you’ll see on the ballot during an off-year election are issues and offices particularly important to your local community. Local leaders have a significant impact on your day-to-day life, and it’s important to get to polls every opportunity you have! Learn more about Ohio’s elected officials by visiting our FAQ: Ohio’s Elected Officials.
