CINCINNATI — Early voting in Hamilton County started Tuesday morning as communities across Southwest Ohio and the rest of the state begin the month-long run up to Election Day.
Between now and Tuesday, Nov. 2, eligible Hamilton County residents have two separate ways to submit their ballot. They can vote in person at Hamilton County Board of Elections in Norwood, or submit an application for an absentee ballot.
The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 2 election was Monday.
This year, there are 295 positions up for elections across Hamilton County, including the mayor of Cincinnati and all nine of the city’s council positions. There's also issues on the ballot including county tax levies.
Voting early in-person
In-person early voting for Hamilton County residents is only available at the Board of Elections at 4700 Smith Rd. in Norwood.
Through Friday, Oct. 15, the BOE is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They'll move to five days a week the following week, Oct. 18-22, with the same hours.
The BOE will operate on an expanded schedule beginning Monday, Oct. 25. They'll remain open until 7 p.m. Monday through that Friday, Oct. 29. Then, on Saturday, they'll open at 8 a.m. and remain open until 4 p.m. They'll close out the weekend Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The last chance to vote early is Monday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Election Day is the following day.
"Our staff are eager to welcome Hamilton County voters back to the Early Vote Center this year. It's our goal that voters have a safe, convenient, and pleasant experience when voting early in person,” said Alex Linser, the deputy director of the Hamilton County BOE.
Voting by mail
All voters in Hamilton County can request a mail-in ballot. The form is available online and they can also provide a copy at the Board of Elections.
The application must be printed and mailed to the Hamilton County Board of Elections at 4700 Smith Rd. in Norwood. That includes forms picked up at the BOE.
The deadline to submit a request for an application is noon on Saturday, Oct. 30. The BOE said they planned to start mailing absentee ballots on Tuesday.
“If you’re going to choose to vote by mail this election, you should return your application as soon as possible,” BOE Director Sherry Poland said. “We want to get these applications to them as soon as possible.”
The general number for the Hamilton County Board of Elections is 513-632-7000. Details are also available online at VoteHamiltonCounty.org.
For those who prefer to vote on Election Day, polls are open Nov. 2 from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Voters can find their polling place on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
Voters can also view a sample ballot on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.