2023 Voting resources for voters with disabilities
Each year, registered voters – of every ability – exercise the right to vote on candidates, issues, and levies. Did you know that voters with disabilities have additional voting resources you can tap into to ensure you understand your rights and the resources available to help you make your voice heard during an election?
General registration status check or registration resources
The first step to voting is to make sure you are registered. Use this link to determine if you are registered to vote in Portage County.
You can get registered online or in person if you are not registered. It's important to note that if you are not registered, you must register to vote 30 days PRIOR to an election. (For example, to vote on the November 7, 2023 General Election, you must register to vote no later than October 10, 2023.)
You can register online by clicking on the Secretary of State' ’s website.
According to the Portage County Board of Elections, you can also get a printed voter registration form to register at:
your county Board of Elections (330-297-3511)
the Secretary of State's Office
any public high school or vocational school
the office of any Bureau of Motor Vehicles
offices of designated agencies that provide public assistance or disability programs
Public libraries
County FiscalOfficer'ss Office
Voting by Absentee Ballot or in person at the polls on Election Day
Whether you prefer to vote in person on Election Day or by Absentee Ballot ahead of time, it’s essential to be aware of changes to Ohio's voting laws in 2023. For full details, please see the Secretary of State's website, or you can call the Portage County Board of Elections at 330-297-3511 with questions about registering to vote or 2023 changes to voting laws.
Voting resources for those with disabilities
For voters with disabilities, there are several voting resources available to assist you, such as:
Additional Absentee voting options (request to use remote ballot marking, attorney-in-fact, unforeseen hospitalization)
Accessible Election Day voting (including accessible equipment, curbside voting, and assistance marking a ballot)
Special voting circumstance (including signature option”, “confined” voters, etc. Please note some options require that arrangements be made PRIOR to arrival for voting. Click for details.)
Additional accommodations and specific requests: If you are a person who has an accessibility concern or requires an accommodation to participate in an Ohio Secretary of State program, service, or activity, requests for accommodation may be made by contacting the office's ADA Coordinator by:
Website contact form (opens in a new window)
Phone (877) SOS-Ohio (877-767-6446)
TTY (614) 466-0562
TTY Toll-free: (877) 644-6889
**Note: The Secretary of State's Office requires that all requests be made at least ten business days prior to any applicable deadline or occurrence of an event.
2023 changes to voting laws
It’s also important to be aware of changes in Ohio's election laws beginning in 2023. Some of the notable changes include:
Voter ID requirements: identification such as a valid Ohdriver'sr’s license, valid state ID card (Need a free Ohio ID card? Click here to get details or call your local BMV), a valid US passport (new for 2023), or a Military photo ID is required for voting on Election Day at the polls (see full identification requirements on the Secretary State'se’s website). *Birth certificates, insurance cards, bill statements, social security cards, or non-Oh driver's licenses will not be accepted.
One drop box per county at the Board of Elections office for absentee ballots: If voting by absentee ballot, you can return your ballot by mail or in person to the Portage County Board of Elections, Absentee Department located at 449 S. Meridian Street, Room 101, Ravenna, OH (Please see the Portage County BOE website for absentee voting guidelines.)
Curbside voting is prohibited unless someone has a disability and is unable to enter their polling place (see disability resources above)
Vote by mail: HB458 eliminates the option to provide the following as a valid form of ID to vote by mail using a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, other government document, and concealed carry permit. Additionally, The deadline to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot has changed. The deadline is now close of business on the 7th day before Election Day (Tuesday before). (See additional details of Vote by Mail changes.)
Other helpful links and voting resources
Need he p? If you, a friend/family member, or a provider need help registering or obtaining a free state ID card, please get in touch with your SSA at 330-297-4100.
Questions about voting, accessibility, or changes to the voting laws and requirements? Please get in touch with the Portage County Board of Elections.
Ohio Secretary of State Publications for Voters with Disabilities
Directive 2023-03 of HB 458 (134th General Assembly)
Cuyahoga County Board of Elections summary of 2023 Changes to Voting Laws
This information is not meant to influence or persuade your opinion on Issue 29, Portage DD's levy on the November 7, 2023 ballot.