VOTING is one of the most impactful things you can do for yourself and your community. Every person in the United States is represented by elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Voting allows the people to choose these representatives in the government. It ensures we have a voice and it ensures that our voices are heard.

You can register to vote, update your voter registration information, view voting options and much more at the Ohio Secretary of State website.

ACCESSIBLE ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Ohio has a remote ballot marking system for use by voters with a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  This system allows Ohio voters with a qualifying disability, the ability to request an accessible absentee ballot via email and to mark his or her ballot privately and independently, and to then mail it in to his or her county board of elections.  

The application form for accessible absentee ballots is entitled “Application for Absent Voter’s Ballot by a Voter with a Disability & Request to Use Remote Ballot Marking System” and is available on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. The applications should be completed electronically, printed, signed, put in an envelope (with the correct postage) and mailed to your local board of election.

You will then receive an electronic link for the absentee ballot which will allow you to use a screen reader and/or remote ballot marking device to vote privately and independently.  The completed absentee ballot can then be printed and mailed in to your county board of elections just like any other absentee ballots.

To have your voice heard between elections, research legislation  and contacting your elected officials.   Use your voice and be active on issues and public policy ideas by calling, email, written communication or visits.

• For federal legislation, go to Congress.gov
• For Ohio legislation, go to the General Assembly Search

Who are your elected officials?