Election Information for Oberlin Student Voters
October 10, 2024 11:30 AM
Hi Obies!
Thank you to those who registered to vote or checked your registration status with OC Votes and the League of Women Voters. We registered more than 1,100 Obies for the November election and are so excited and energized by the community spirit to vote. Please refer to this information for everything you might need to know to vote in November. As always, if you have any questions, reach out to us at ocvotes@oberlin.edu.
1) Check your registration
Check your voter registration status here. If you’ve registered with us in the last 10 days, expect an update within the next few weeks.
In order to vote in person in Ohio, you will need to know the address at which you are registered, so make sure you know this information!
2) Absentee voting
Did you request an absentee ballot? Here is a little more information about that process.
Your ballot will be sent out after voter registration ends starting October 8. You can use the Ohio Secretary of State website to track your absentee ballot. Once you receive your ballot, fill it out completely and return it by mail or drop it off in person.
If you are submitting your ballot by mail:
Read the instructions on how to mark and return the ballot. The closest United States Post Office is at 68 at South Main Street. Remember to ensure proper postage for your ballot.
For your vote to be counted, the absentee ballot must be postmarked no later than the day before Election Day (Monday, November 4) and received by your county board of elections no later than four days after the election. The United States Postal Service estimates that it will take two to five days for your completed absentee ballot to be delivered to your board of elections by mail.
If you are planning to mail your ballot, we recommend sending your voted absentee as soon as possible. If you are concerned your ballot will not be received in time, we recommend dropping it off in person.
If you are dropping off your ballot in person:
Lorain County voters can drop off absentee ballots at the Lorain County Board of Elections located at 1985 North Ridge Road. It is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed weekends).
OC Votes is shuttling people to the board of elections for ballot dropoff on October 29 and November 3. Sign-ups will be coming soon. You must drop off your ballot by 7:30 p.m on Election Day. Only you, your spouse, child, or a near relative can drop off your ballot.
Find more information about absentee voting using the following links:
Ohio Secretary of State website
3) Researching the ballot
It’s important to research your ballot to prepare for the upcoming election. You can look up your ballot with a few nonpartisan voting guides to learn more about Ohio Issue 1 (about redistricting of Ohio) and all the candidates you’ll see on the ballot. Check out:
If you have questions about an issue or race, contact ocvotes@oberlin.edu or make a meeting with us!
4) Polling Locations, What to Bring, and Polling Protection
Below are some tips and tricks to make voting as smooth as possible:
Know your polling location: After you register, you will receive a postcard in the mail from the Board of Elections informing you of your polling location.
There are three polling locations located close to campus, all within walking distance. If you aren’t sure how to get to your location, OC Votes will be around on Election Day to provide directions. You can also look up your polling location on the Lorain County Board of Elections site.
Remember your info: Unless you’re from Ohio (in which case you can vote with a state driver’s license), you will need to bring your passport to vote in person. Make sure you also know the address you’re registered under because you will be asked at the polls.
Be safe: As an American citizen, it is your constitutional right to vote freely and without coercion. At the polls, there will be volunteer workers there to assist you. If you feel that someone is threatening your rights while voting, you can talk to a poll worker or call the Election Protection hotlines listed below:
English language hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
Spanish language hotline: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu and Tagalog hotline: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
Arabic language hotline: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
American Sign Language video call number: 301-818-VOTE (301-818-8683)