COLUMBUS – It is Election Day and the eyes of the nation are on Ohio as voters decide whether to pass a constitutional amendment guaranteeing an individual right to abortion and other forms of reproductive healthcare and another ballot measure legalizing marijuana use for adults.
There are 4 acceptable photo IDs for voting in-person in Ohio:
- Ohio driver’s license
- Ohio-issued state identification card
- U.S. or state military ID
- Valid U.S. passport.
Common Cause Ohio has a telephone number for anyone encountering problems at polling locations: 866-OUR-VOTE
Ohio is the only state to consider a statewide abortion-rights question this year, so advocates on both sides of the issue are watching the outcome for signs of voter sentiment heading into 2024 — when abortion-rights supporters are planning to put measures on the ballot in several other states.
Turnout is expected to be high for a non-presidential election year and Ohioans with disabilities may find themselves struggling to cast their ballots in person because of a variety of challenges: problems finding transportation to polling places, especially in areas without mass transit, and gaining access to the buildings once they get there.
Kirsten Shoberg, executive director of Disability Rights Ohio, says voters have the right to vote curbside if you cannot enter their polling locations because of a disability, but that may not be as easy as it sounds everywhere in the state.
“It’s a great option but a lot of people don’t know about it and it can be difficult to access because there’s not necessarily clear signage or a clear process on how to use curbside voting and there’s no consistent guidance or practice,” she said.
Disability Rights Ohio is Ohio’s official Protection and Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program.
The group has set up a hotline for voters to call if they have any problems voting:800-292-9181.
Voters with disabilities have the right to get help from a poll worker to take as long as they need to vote, Shoberg said.