Are you prepared to vote in Tuesday’s general election in Akron? Do you know which candidates you prefer and which issues you want to vote yay or nay on?

As Nov. 4 approaches, it’s time to make a plan for casting your ballot. Here is some helpful information to help you get ready and exercise your right to vote.

Can I still vote early in person?

In-person early voting (which is technically absentee voting) is offered at the Summit County Board of Elections, which is now located at 1050 E. Tallmadge Ave. in the Chapel Hill neighborhood. The BOE will be open:

Oct. 31 — 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 1 — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 2 — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov. 3 â€” closed

They are no longer located on Grant Street.

When are the polls open on Election Day?

Polls will be open Nov. 4 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Do I need identification when I vote?

Ohio requires voters to provide proof of identification when voting. IDs must not be expired, but they do not have to include your current address if it is printed in the list of registered voters.

Voters are no longer allowed to substitute utility bills, bank statements, paychecks or other documents for a valid photo ID. And the Ohio MobileID is not a valid form of ID for voting. 

What are valid IDs for voting in Ohio?

  • Ohio driver’s license or state ID
  • A U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
  • U.S. military, Ohio National Guard or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
  • Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV
  • If you forget your ID, you may cast a provisional ballot
  • Ohioans who are 17 years and older can receive a state ID card at no cost from the BMV. Here’s more information about how to get one. 

Are there sample ballots that I can see ahead of the election? Can I download them and fill them out so I can remember who I want to vote for?

The Ohio Secretary of State’s website has downloadable sample ballots that are accessible for all registered voters. Follow the prompts to find yours.

Where can i get information about candidates or issues on the ballot?

You can use the 2025 Signal Akron Voter’s Guide to find candidates and issues — we produce it in partnership with the Akron and Hudson League of Women Voter’s chapters. Their 411.org site is also filled with information that is helpful.

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How can I find where I’m supposed to go to vote?

Find your precinct on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.

How can I check to make sure I’m registered to vote?

Check your voter registration status online. If you’re unable to locate your voter registration information but think you are registered to vote, you can contact the BOE – their phone is 330-643-5200.

Can I still use my absentee ballot to vote?

If you already have an absentee ballot (the deadline to request one has passed), the completed form must be signed and mailed to the Summit County Board of Elections at its new location at 1050 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, OH 44310.

It can also be dropped off directly.

The U.S. Postal Service said it can take between two and five days for your absentee ballot to be delivered by mail.

Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 3, and received by your county’s board of elections no later than four days after the election to be counted. If you’re using postage stamps, make sure to ask postal workers to postmark the envelope and that you have attached sufficient postage.  

If you are returning your absentee ballot in person, do so by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 4.

If you are unable to return your ballot yourself, a family member can do so on your behalf. A new directive from the Ohio Secretary of State requires that anyone returning a completed ballot on behalf of someone else can’t use a ballot drop box. Instead, the ballot must either be mailed or turned in inside the elections office, where the person must sign an attestation form saying they are returning the ballot within the bounds of the law.

Additionally, disabled voters may designate a representative to drop off their ballot, as long as the representative is not their employer or an officer of their union and as long as they deliver the ballot in person and sign the attestation form.

Editor-in-Chief (she/her)
Zake has deep roots in Northeast Ohio journalism. She was the managing editor for multimedia and special projects at the Akron Beacon Journal, where she began work as a staff photographer in 1986. Over a 20-year career, Zake worked in a variety of roles across departments that all help inform her current role as Signal Akron's editor in chief. Most recently, she was a journalism professor and student media adviser at Kent State University, where she worked with the next generation of journalists to understand public policy, environmental reporting, data and solutions reporting. Among her accomplishments was the launch of the Kent State NewsLab, an experiential and collaborative news commons that connects student reporters with outside professional partners.

Community & service reporter (they/them)
Reegan Davis Saunders is Signal Akron’s community & service reporter. Reegan studied journalism and art at Kent State University, and they are passionate about the intersection of the two disciplines.

Although Reegan grew up in metro Detroit, they have always been an Ohio State Buckeyes fan. After living in Kent the past few years, they are excited to explore more of Akron, especially the coffee shops.

At Signal Akron, Reegan hopes to serve underrepresented communities by creating more accessible content.