Election Day for most students registered to vote locally simply means a simple and easy visit (see Voter Information Guide) to the polling place indicated on your Voter Registration card (which will arrive by mail). In Ohio, the polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
However, if you aren't registered locally (and aren't voting Absentee) or have moved since you registered, there are some changes in the law that could effect you on Election Day. Please read these instructions carefully. (All information provided by Athens County Board of Elections - Call 740.592.3201 with questions - or visit 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., M-F and 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day)
SITUATION 1:
Any voter registered in another county in Ohio who wishes to register and vote in Athens County on Election Day is classified as a "WALK-IN" voter who may vote what's called a PROVISIONAL BALLOT. This voter may vote ONLY AT:
| - | THEIR NEW PRECINCT | | - | BAKER CENTER - OHIO UNIVERSITY
(One Park Place - Athens, Ohio) | | - | BOARD OF ELECTIONS OFFICE
(next to courthouse on Court St.) |
These voters will be permitted to vote after filling out the appropriate forms (new registration and identification envelope to seal ballot in). Precinct officials will have specific instructions in advance, on how to assist ALL "WALK-IN" VOTERS.
SITUATION 2:
Any voter registered in Athens County who has since moved or changed her/his name, but is still within Athens County (but who didn't update their registration to reflect those changes), is classified as a "WALK-IN" voter who may vote what's called a PROVISIONAL BALLOT. This voter may vote ONLY AT:
| - | THEIR NEW PRECINCT | | - | BAKER CENTER - OHIO UNIVERSITY
(E. Union St. - Athens, Ohio) | | - | BOARD OF ELECTIONS OFFICE
(next to courthouse on Court St.) |
Precinct officials will have specific instructions in advance, on how to assist ALL "WALK-IN" VOTERS.
SITUATION 3:
Any registered voter who has moved and/or changed their name, but still within their precinct, (but who didn't update their registration to reflect those changes) are qualified to vote as a REGULAR VOTER in THEIR PRECINCT.
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|  | Students, faculty and staff planning to vote in the upcoming March 4 Primary Election should take note of a new requirement. State law changed recently to require all voters to show identification at the polling place. At the polls, when voters verify their addresses, poll workers are trained to accept several different types of identification.
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The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 requires colleges and universities to make a good faith effort to distribute voter registration forms to each student in attendance.
Ohio University students may pick up a voter registration form at various locations ino rder to register for the next election.
First-time voters and individuals who have a name change or change of address are required to complete the form. The form is available at Alden Library, the Office of the Dean of Students, Ping Recreational Center, and the Registrar's Office in Chubb Hall. Students may also pick up registration forms at any of the dining halls on campus.
To qualify to vote, students must be a United States citizen, 18 years of age on or before the general election day, an Ohio resident for at least 30 days and registered to vote at least 30 days before the election. Once registration is accepted, the Athens County Board of Elections will inform voters of their designated voting location.
Students can obtain further information by calling the Athens County Board of Elections at 592-3201. Click on voter registration form online to obtain a form.
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| | Remember: As a voter, you have the responsibility to ask questions and to get them answered if you are confused about the voting process and to check your ballot for accuracy before you cast it. YOUR VOTE COUNTS! As a voter you... must be provided with a voting machine that is in working condition, must be provided with another ballot if you made a mistake, may request up to three ballots due to mistakes you made, can ask for written or verbal instructions, can receive help in voting if you ask for it, can bring an aide or interpreter if you are disabled or have a language barrier, cannot be prevented from voting for any reason if you are a registered voter, can vote if you are in line at the correct polling location at the time the polls close, must be given an explanation and offered a resolution if you are not allowed to vote. Content courtesy Voter Services - Ohio Secretary of State
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