Why wait until Election Day when you can cast your vote this weekend? Come to the Board of Elections located at 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 to vote early.
Saturday, May 5: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 6: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Early voting at the Board of Elections concludes on Monday, May 7. Hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Election Overview
Voting has begun for the May 8, 2018 Primary Election. Democratic, Republican and Green party voters will choose the candidates who will advance to the November General Election. There are 213 candidates running for 71 offices and judicial seats. In total, there are 37 contested races on the ballot. There is also a county-wide issue, state-wide issue, and various municipal, school and library issues on the ballot.
This should be a very exciting election because Democrats and Republicans have some very high profile candidates running for office. These include contested races for Governor, US Senate and Congress. There are Republicans, Democrats and Green party members running for State Central Committee as well as nearly 1,000 people running for Democratic County Central Committee seats.
State Issue One will appear on the ballot. The proposed constitutional amendment would change the way the state lawmakers draw Congressional district boundaries. If passed, the new political boundarymaps will be drawn following the 2020 census.
Party Affiliation
In Ohio, the type of ballot voters select in partisan primary elections determines their party affiliation. Voters have an opportunity to establish their party affiliation, change their party or become nonpartisan voters during this election. This decision should be taken seriously, as party affiliation cannot be changed again until the next partisan primary election.
Three Ways to Vote
Sample Ballots Available
To prepare for the election, and/or determine which ballot you would like to choose this Primary, sample ballots are available for viewing on the board of elections website.
Early voting has begun for the May 8 Primary Election. Voters may cast their vote early in person at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, or they may request an absentee ballot to vote in the comfort of their home.
Early Voting Hours
Early voting takes place at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, located at 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 during the following dates and times:
| Weekdays: April 10 to April 27 | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Weekdays: April 30 to May 4 | 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, May 5 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, May 6 | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Monday, May 7 | 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
Voting by Mail
Voting by mail is easy, convenient and secure. To request a ballot, download a vote-by-mail application and return the completed form to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. Forms are also available at local libraries. Your application must be returned by 12:00 p.m. on the Saturday before Election Day, however, it is best to return it as soon as possible. Click to download vote-by-mail application.
New in 2018, the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections has added a voter engagement resource library to its website. The library is meant to provide community partners and various organizations with the materials and resources they need to conduct voter registration drives and/or educate their constituents about the election process and voting.
The library can be used to access important forms, talking points, guidelines, marketing materials, sample presentations, and more. All materials can be easily downloaded, and links to our top partner sites are also provided for even more valuable information, ideas and materials. The site will be updated frequently as new materials are created specific to upcoming elections.
Click here to access the Voter Engagement Resource Library.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is reminding people who wish to run for office that they must file their completed petitions on or before February 7, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
“This is a hard deadline so it is very important that candidates for public office understand the rules,” said Pat McDonald, Director of the Board of Elections. “I encourage people not to wait until the last minute to file their petitions. It is not uncommon for people to miss the deadline because of traffic jams, illness and other unexpected circumstances on deadline day. Filing before the deadline also allows candidates to avoid lines that form during the final days leading up to February 7th,” said McDonald.
Voters in the May Primary Election will select candidates who will advance to the November General Election. The ballot includes the Governor and other high statewide offices as well as members of Congress, the US Senate, state house, state senate and judicial seats. In addition, there will be hundreds of people running for state and county Democratic Central Committee seats.
Candidates with questions may visit the Board’s website: www.443vote.com or call the Candidate and Petition Services Department at 216-443-3231.
Author: Mike West, Media and Voter Education Specialist, Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
Happy New Year!
For many, January marks a period of personal reflection and goal setting for the upcoming year. As you set your new year’s resolutions for 2018, remember to add voting to your list. Resolve to be aware of and vote on the issues facing your community, state and country. Resolve to research candidates, and vote to elect those whom you believe will be the best leaders. Resolve to vote in every election, big or small. Let your voice be heard.
Your Vote Matters
In the past five years, 141 races and issues were decided by one vote or tied; 29 races in 2017 alone (Secretary Husted: A Single Vote Makes all the Difference). In fact, this past November, our Board members determined the outcome of one race by a coin toss! That’s right, the winner of the Cuyahoga Heights Village Council race was literally decided by a coin toss due to a tie vote.
Voter turnout continues to be on the low side:
Few people are determining the outcomes of important elections. Encourage those you know to participate in the democratic process and practice your civic duty to vote.
2018 Elections Preview
In 2018, voters throughout Ohio will elect leaders to state and county offices. This includes: U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Governor, other state executives, State Senate, State House, State Supreme Court, intermediate appellate courts, local judges, and municipal government. There may also be statewide and local issues on the primary or general election ballot.
Dates of 2018 Elections:
Register to Vote
Not registered? Recently moved or changed your name? Register to vote online at www.myohiovote.com. You can also check your voter registration status here: My Voting Info
Make sure your voice is heard in 2018. See you at the polls!
Author: Cathy Goskey, Community Outreach Coordinator, Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
Today is Election Day! Voters will elect hundreds of municipal offices, fill judicial seats and select school board members in addition to deciding state, county and local issues. Polls are open today from 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Reminders for Voters
Voters are reminded to bring proper ID with them to the polls today. This includes:
Any voter that does not know where to vote can look up their polling location on our website. They may also download a sample ballot to review prior to voting.
Click here for “My Voting Info”
Vote-by-Mail Ballots
People who vote by mail must be aware that the deadline to mail their ballot has passed. Voted ballots may only be returned to the Board of Elections offices and must be received by 7:30 p.m. tonight. Voters may utilize a special ballot box located in the Board of Elections parking lot at 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland (Map). Ballots cannot be dropped off at a voting location on Election Day.
Spanish Hot Line
Spanish-speaking voters needing special assistance may call our Spanish Hotline at 216-443-3233. We will gladly help you!
It’s Election Day Eve! That means your absentee ballot must be postmarked TODAY. If you cannot make it to the post office, you may also return your ballot in person at the Board of Elections. The ballot must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
For your convenience, we have a secure 24/7 ballot drop box located in our parking lot at 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. Map
Note: Ballots CANNOT be returned to your polling location.
As the November 7, 2017 election draws near, we are still in need of election officials (poll workers) to work the polls on Election Day.
Election Officials have the unique opportunity to catch a behind-the-scenes look at the election process. They play a vital role in bringing elections to their communities and helping voters at the polls.
Reflections from Long-term Election Officials
We asked a few of our long-time poll workers why they continue to serve each election. Here’s what they had to say:
“I love serving the people knowing that I am doing worthwhile work. It’s important to help young voters, especially to help them understand their vote really is counted.”
“One year during the presidential election we all started clapping for first-time voters. Seeing their expressions was memorable. It is really cool to see young people vote.”
“It gives me gratification to see people exercising their constitutional right to vote. Blood was shed to have these rights.”
“I feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. That’s what keeps me coming back.”
“Elections are for the people, by the people. We are here for one another.”
“I’ve made a lot of friends doing this.”
“This will be my fourth presidential election. I’ve been doing this for about 20 years. If I would have known about being a poll worker at a younger age I would have started sooner! It makes me feel like I am participating in my government.”
Become a Poll Worker
Being a poll worker is more than passing out ballots on Election Day. It is about providing the means for those in your community to have a voice and practice their civic duty and right to vote.
If you have the extra time this upcoming November 7, please consider applying to serve your community. Poll workers earn up to $200 and all training is provided.
To learn more and apply, visit https://boe.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/becomeapollworker.aspx
The Board of Elections is now hiring Election Officials (poll workers) to assist voters on Election Day. Election Officials can earn up to $200. There are hundreds of openings for workers in all areas of the county.
“This important work is an opportunity for civic-minded citizens to serve our democracy and to earn extra money for the holidays,” said Pat McDonald, Director of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.
People who are interested in being an Election Official are being asked to apply as soon as possible to allow time for processing and training. Applicants may apply on-line at www.443VOTE.com or call the Election Officials Department at 216-443-3277.
Author: Mike West, Community Outreach