Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose urges students at Franciscan University of Steubenville to vote
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STEUBENVILLE -- Time is running out for Ohioans to get their voter registrations in order.
With the general election just about a month away, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose reminded students at Franciscan University of Steubenville Thursday, races have been decided by a single vote.
"Decisions we make today are going to impact you guys for decades and decades to come," LaRose said during the roundtable discussion. "You'll be impacted a long time by the decisions that are made."
Ohio voters have three ways to cast their ballots: Early in-person voting, absentee voting and in-person voting.
≤ Early in-person voting begins Tuesday and runs through Nov. 2. Proof of identity is required.
"We're one of only six states now offering Sunday voting, we're one of 20 offering weekend early voting and the last two weeks leading up to the election," he said, adding, "I think we're going to see record participation in that this year."
≤ Absentee voting: The deadline to request a ballot by mail is Oct. 31 at noon. Once voters receive their ballot, LaRose said it's important to fill it out and mail it back as quickly as possible. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 2 and arrive at the local board of elections within 10 days, he said.
"Don't procrastinate," LaRose told the students. "I urge Ohioans to send in their request as soon as they can, then return them."
≤ Polls will be open for in-person voting Nov. 3 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
LaRose said they've developed a 48-point voter safety plan, including routine cleaning of voting machines and e-pollbooks, mask requirements and regular hand washing for all poll workers and social distancing recommendations.
His office is also recruiting additional poll workers.
In Ohio, the deadline to register to vote or update current voter registration information is 9 p.m. Monday. Registrations can be done online with a valid Ohio ID or Drivers License at VoteOhio.gov, or in person at the Jefferson County Board of Elections, the BMV or library.
LaRose told the students he expects a strong turnout.
"The variety of choices we have are going to drive voter participation," he said. "My prediction is Ohio has its highest turnout ever."