There have been important changes to the voting process for the Primary Election this May, and voters might also need reminders of other recent changes.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, May 5; there is no grace period for ballots mailed before the election that arrive afterwards (except for military voters). If you have not already mailed in your ballot, you should consider dropping it off in person at this point; it is doubtful that it will arrive by May 5, 2026.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections has moved to a new location, 1803 Superior Avenue in Cleveland. Early in person voting and the ballot drop box are at this new address.
If you are disabled, any person may return your vote-by-mail ballot to the drop box. Otherwise, only a close family member as defined in Ohio law may do so, and at the drop box there should be an attestation form for that person to complete.
If you vote in person, remember that you need to bring a valid, physical photo ID acceptable under Ohio law, usually a driver’s license or state-issued nondriver ID. A digital ID on your phone is not acceptable. If you have moved and have updated your address with the Board of Elections and your new address is in the poll book, it is OK if your ID still has your prior address.
Primary Elections are an important part of the voting process. The LWV always encourages you to vote, but in order for your vote to have the greatest impact you should vote in the Primary, and not just in November.
And as a reminder, you can look to the League of Women Voters online voter guide for information about candidates and voting. Vote411.org.
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