On the last day of early voting, a large crowd gathers at the Cuyahoga Board of Elections; Here's how to vote anyway

CLEVELAND, Ohio – A clear, sunny sky shone over the long line of voters taking advantage of the final day of early in-person voting Sunday. But don't fret if you haven't made it to the local election commission in the last few weeks; You can still make sure your vote is counted this week.

When the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections opened at 1 p.m. Sunday, the line stretched from Euclid Avenue behind the building on East 30th Street and was already heading west down Chester Avenue, near the Interstate 90 on-ramp. An hour later, the line stretched across the Cleveland State University campus to Washkewicz College of Engineering, further down in Chester.

According to Ohio data, nearly 2.5 million Ohioans have already voted in the 2024 general election as of Sunday afternoon. Of those, nearly 1.5 million voted early in person at one of Ohio's 88 county election boards.

Nearly 1.2 million Ohioans have requested mail-in ballots that can be returned by mail or in person to the Board of Elections, with 980,561 of them returned so far. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked or returned to the county election board by Monday, one day before the election. They cannot be returned at your local polling station.

Vehicle traffic around the election board on Sunday reflected congestion as one parking lot after another was packed.

Mike and Beth Hauser arrived from the Playhouse Square District an hour before doors opened. The couple said they waited in line for about 50 minutes before receiving their ballots. As she left, Beth said she felt “energized.”

“As an American, you have to be part of the process because you wouldn't be enjoying what you have now if someone didn't fight for it, if someone didn't vote for it,” she said.

For people planning to go to their precinct to vote on Tuesday, Mike suggests they be prepared to wait in line and get entertainment, such as a game, on their cell phone. Voter turnout is generally significantly higher in presidential elections, so you can expect a longer wait.

Beth suggests stopping by Vote411.org/Ohiowhere people can preview the ballots by getting information about the candidates and issues.

Curtis Dirskell of Cleveland, who arrived at the BOE 90 minutes before doors opened Sunday, urged people planning to vote in person Tuesday to make sure they actually “come out and vote.” Don't wait until the last minute, actually get up and vote. “It’s important,” he said.

If you haven't cast your vote yet, you still have options as Election Day approaches on Tuesday. Here's how you can still vote.

Where do I vote on Tuesday?

If you would like to vote in person on Tuesday, November 5th and are not sure where to go, visit your county's election board website to find your precinct. A county-by-county directory is available online at https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/elections-officials/county-boards-of-elections-directory/.

Another good resource site is this website from the Ohio Secretary of State – www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/polling-location/.

Some places have recently changed – and don't assume you're supposed to go to the same place every year you choose. It is recommended to check the location using the link above.

In addition, you can visit VoteOhio.govwhich provides information on voting locations, ID requirements, voting schedules, absentee ballot tracking, sample ballots, voter registration information and more.

When are the polls open on Tuesday?

Polling stations will be open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Remember, if you stand in line to vote before 7:30 p.m., you can still vote as long as you stay in line.

What do I need to bring with me to my polling station?

Ohio requires a photo ID, such as an Ohio driver's license, an Ohio ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, a U.S. military ID card, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card, or an Ohio National Guard ID card.

If you don't have any of these, you can cast a provisional vote. However, in order for this ballot to be counted, you must return to the Board of Elections no later than four days after Election Day and provide appropriate identification.

Information about changes to the voter ID law can be found online at https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/voters/2023-ohio-voting-law-changes.

How long do I have to vote by postal vote?

Your mailed absentee ballot must be postmarked by Monday, November 4th or be returned in person to your county election officials by the close of polls on Election Day, which is 7:30 p.m

Can I still request a postal vote?

No, you can't do that. The deadline for requesting a postal vote was October 24th.