Remember Schoolhouse Rock? Okay, this reporter just aged herself…but I remember many history, grammar and civic lessons being taught through that informative, musical cartoon. Conjunction Junction What’s Your Function, I’m Just a Bill and many more. Ever wonder what they would do with the path of your vote? Me, too.
Well, though a musician, I don’t think I would do it justice in song format, but I can explain a bit of the path your vote takes.
I recently had the chance to sit down with Faith Lyon, the Director of the Board of Elections for Portage County. The many functions of the Board of Elections include voter registration, ballot preparation, assurance of the accuracy of the ballot issues, recruitment and training of poll workers, maintainance of voter records, printing and distribution of ballots to poll locations, organize and distribute supplies for the polls polling locations, among others. The eight member BOE Team consists of six clerks, her deputy director and herself.
So, this very busy person made time for my questions. She believes in educating the public about the voting process. Voter Outreach includes speaking to classes, groups and clubs. They also have library displays about voting. A little bit of everything.
So, Faith, what is the path of my vote?
• The Election Day results are unofficial from the time the polls close until the final,official results are in. This is a three-week period of official reconciliation, certification and canvassing final results. This is to ensure the accurate count of absentee, early voting, election day and provisional votes are cured and counted.
• Within 5 days, groups can request a recount. At 0.05% difference a recount is automatic.
• Then comes the post-election audit. Three random issues/candidates are recounted to make sure the numbers match.
In Ohio we have the option of voting by mail, early voting and election day voting. Early voting can be done at the Portage County Board of Elections. It is in the Administration Building at 449 S. Meridian St. in Ravenna. Early voting begins approximately 30 days prior to Election Day. BTW, Early Voting began April 8 for the May 6 Special Election.
Voters can also request a mail-in ballot, also known as an absentee ballot. To do so, you first must obtain a request form. Easy enough, you can get one through the Portage County Elections website at https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/board-elections. The first day they can mail out absentee ballots is the day before early voting starts, in this case April 8. The last day they can receive a request is at 8:30pm on April 29. For this election, ballots must be returned to the office by May 6 at 7:30pm. If mailed, they must be postmarked by May 5, and received no later than May 10. Don’t forget there is an official secure collection box at the in the Administration Building parking lot you can drop off from the convenience of your car. You can even check the status of your absentee ballot on their website. Also check the website for any questions you may have, it is quite informative!
Many people prefer to vote in person on Election Day, so here are a few tips.
• Polls open at 6:30am and close at 7:30pm. At 7:30 a pollworker will get to the end of the voting line. Anyone in front of that worker will be allowed to vote.
• Have a valid, picture ID. These include valid (unexpired, so check now!) Ohio Driver’s License, US Passport or Passport Card, Military ID issued by the Department of Justice.
• If you have a change of name or address, make sure you officially update it prior to voter registration deadline (one day before early voting begins, in this case April 7.) If you haven’t, be sure to cast your vote using a Provisional Ballot. Faith’s office will cure that vote in the 3-week reconciliation period.
• Be sure to check your apparel. You may not wear buttons, hats, shirts, stickers etc. that are for or against any candidate or issue currently on that ballot.
• You may not canvass voters within 100 feet of the location’s entrance. Small flags will be placed to mark the distance.
Your vote is very important and does count. To ensure accuracy of your vote, there are many checks and balances in place.
• There is automated, built in tracking of in-person and absentee ballots.
• The poll workers work in teams of two-one democrat and one republican.
• Poll workers attend training each year.
For the average person, elections might only happen once or twice a year. For the Board of Elections, preparation for the elections is a year-round task.
As you can probably tell, Faith and the workers in her office are very busy. I asked her to summarize what she wants every eligible voter to know…
• Your vote is important and does count!
• Be registered and up-to-date. Verify it with the BOE.
• Make your voting Plan
• If in person voting is difficult, request your absentee ballot online or by calling the office at (330)297-3511 as soon as possible.
• Early In-Person (up to 30 days prior to election)
• Election Day: Polls open 6:30am to 7:30pm.
• Learn about the issues and candidates. In addition to these websites, consider going to the League of Women Voters site. They offer an apolitical,researched summary of candidates and issues.
• Look yourself up to ensure you are registered!
There are two very helpful websites available to all. The Portage County Website at http://portagecounty-oh.gov, and the Ohio Website voteohio.gov. You can register to vote online on the Ohio website, too!
Wondering what is on the May 6 ballot? Depending where in Portage County you live, you may have an issue-only or a ballot with a candidate. Wondering where your polling location is? You can find a sample ballot and polling locations at http://portagecounty-oh.gov! Remember, as Faith says, your vote is important! Make your plan, work your plan and have your voice heard!
