Attention Ohio Voters: Remember the Provisional Ballot Option If You Forget Your Photo ID

New Law Does Not Prohibit You From Voting

Ohio voters who arrive at the polls without a photo ID will still be able to vote provisionally under a new law that went into effect this year.

Provisional ballots are available to voters who forget their photo ID, who have their photo ID number but not the card itself, or who have a photo ID but it is expired. Voters can also cast a provisional ballot if they believe they are being discriminated against.

To cast a provisional ballot, voters must sign an affidavit that they are who they say they are and that they are eligible to vote.

Provisional Ballots Counted After Signature Verification

Provisional ballots are not counted on election night. Instead, they are counted after election officials have verified the voter's signature.

The verification process can take several days, so it is important to vote early if you plan to cast a provisional ballot.

If your provisional ballot is rejected, you will be notified by mail. You will have the opportunity to appeal the rejection and provide additional documentation to prove your identity and eligibility.

Other Ways to Vote If You Don't Have a Photo ID

In addition to casting a provisional ballot, there are other ways to vote if you don't have a photo ID:

• Vote by mail: You can request a mail-in ballot from your county board of elections.
• Vote early in person: You can vote early in person at your county board of elections or at a designated early voting location.

Don't Let the Photo ID Law Prevent You From Voting

The new photo ID law is not meant to prevent you from voting. If you forget your photo ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot.

Don't let the photo ID law prevent you from exercising your right to vote.