Portage County – According to the Portage County Board of Elections, the Primary Election, which was originally scheduled for March 17th, will be concluded on April 28, 2020. The March election day was blocked by the State in an attempt to restrict public gatherings and limit the spread of Covid-19.
Since several localities had key initiatives on the ballot, the Portage County Board of Elections has implemented a plan to provide voters with the opportunity to cast their votes in person on March 17, but were prevented from doing so thanks to the coronavirus. Important issues on the ballot include the Mantua-Shalersville Fire District with a Fire & EMS renewal, a Portage County Children’s Services renewal, and the Windham Exempt Village School District, who asked voters for an additional tax levy.
Voters may still request an absentee ballot by noon on April 25, 2020. In order to receive an absentee mail ballot you must complete a form, which is available at co.portage.oh.us/board-elections. The form must be return to the Board of Election office by mail or by placing it in the Board of Election drop box (449 S. Meridian, Ravenna, OH 44266).
If you do not have access to a computer or printer, please call the office at (330) 297-3511 to request a ballot by mail. When completing your absentee ballot application, please pay special attention to section 6, and mark Primary Election and then let them know what ballot style you would like (Republican, Libertarian, Issues Only, or Democratic). Call the Board of Elections office if you have questions.
Please note that you will not automatically be mailed an absentee ballot, as you must request one by completing an absentee ballot application. All absentee ballots must be postmarked no later than April 27, 2020 or you can drop them at the Board of Elections’ office through 7:30 p.m. on April 28, 2020. On April 28, 2020, there will be limited in person voting at the Board of Elections office only for those voters who have a qualifying disability or who cannot receive mail. Please note that if you have already voted absentee, you cannot get another ballot.
