Vote this Summer! Special Election in Ohio

Greetings Oberlin students!

Did you know that Ohio will be holding a special election this August? The special election on August 8 will decide on changes to the ways Ohio residents can amend the state constitution. It's important that Oberlin students get engaged and vote in this very important election. The election will decide on the passing of Ohio Issue 1, which would raise the requirement to amend the state constitution from a simple majority of the general electorate vote to a 60% majority of the general electorate vote. If Issue 1 passes, it will become more difficult for Ohio residents to make changes to the state constitution—only a 40% minority of the general electorate will have the capacity to deny amendments to the state constitution. This is likely to affect ballot measures introduced in future elections as soon as November. Learn more about the highly consequential effects of what's on the ballot and who supports and opposed the issue here. 

Here's how to get involved!
 

Already registered to vote in Ohio?

If you are already registered to vote in Ohio, we strongly encourage you to request your absentee ballot now and exercise your democratic rights. While the Ohio voter ID laws have changed, you are able to request an absentee ballot using the last four digits of your social security number if you do not have an Ohio driver's license. Follow these steps:

1. Learn more about the absentee voting process here.
2. Use Vote 411 Absentee Ballot Requests to fill out your absentee ballot request (note that the "Home Address" filed should be your registered address in Oberlin). If you aren't sure what address you are registered at, you can check your registration.
3. You will need to print out the prepared file and mail it to your county board of elections (if you are registered in Oberlin, the address is 1985 North Ridge Rd. East, Lorain OH 44055). Absentee ballot requests must be received by the Board of Elections at least 7 days prior to election day (in this case, August 1). But don't wait! 

Interested in learning more about the changes to Ohio voting laws?

Read more about how voting in Ohio has changed by checking out What's New in Ohio Voting Laws from the League of Women Voters. Oberlin students without a passport or Ohio photo ID can vote by requesting absentee ballots using the last four digits of their Social Security number. Utility bills will no longer be accepted at the polls on election day. 

If you have any questions about voting by mail or are interested in registering to vote in this election, please contact ocvotes@oberlin.edu . We hope to see Oberlin students show out for this election!

All the best,
OC Votes Team

Jess Gorgas, Director of Student Leadership
Zeb Page, Professor of Geoscience
Alison Ricker, Head, Science Library
Cindy Frantz, Professor of Psychology & Environmental Studies
Eboni A. Johnson (OC '97), Outreach & Programming