Procedure for absentee voting simplified, explained

PERKINS TWP. — Erie County officials simplified, and also explained, the process for absentee/in-person early voting.A qualified elector who wants to receive and cast an absentee ballot in person is no longer required to complete an application or an identification envelope for an absentee ballot if the voter provides one of the valid forms of identification that is acceptable for voting purposes on Election Day. This year, it's on Nov. 5.If the qualified elector does not have an acceptable valid form of identification, then that qualified elector may still complete a written application containing his or her driver's license number or the last four digits of his or her Social Security number.In-person absentee voting begins at the Erie County Board of Elections on Tuesday, Oct. 8. People can check the board's website, erie.ohioboe.com or call the office at 419-627-7601.The identification requirementsA qualified elector who wants to receive and cast an absentee ballot in person at the Erie County Board of Elections office must announce his or her full name and current address to the election official and either must provide one of the valid forms of identification:• An unexpired Ohio driver's license or state identification card with that person's present or former address so long as the voter's present residential address is printed in the official list of registered voters for that precinct; An Ohio driver's license or state identification card with an old or former address is acceptable as a valid form of identification necessary to cast a regular ballot when the voter's current address is printed in the signature poll book.• A military identification; Military identification cards or copies of such cards must be accepted whether or not they contain the voter's name or address. But the voter in question must allow a precinct election official to determine that it is the military identification card of the person who is presenting it for the purpose of voting.• A photo identification issued by the U.S. government or the state of Ohio that contains the voter's name and current address and that has an expiration date that has not expired.• An original or copy of a current utility bill with the voter's name and present address; A utility bill is a statement of fees owed and/or paid for services. It may be a printout of an electronically transmitted statement for services owed, paid or a regular paper copy. A utility bill includes, but is not limited to, water, sewer, electric, heating, cable, internet, telephone and cellular telephone services.• An original or copy of a current bank statement with the voter's name and present address• An original or copy of a current paycheck with the voter's name and present address• An original or copy of another current government document, other than a notice of voter registration mailed by a board of elections, that shows the voter's name and present addressFor utility bills, bank statements, government checks, paychecks and other government documents, "current" is defined within the last 12 months. Other government documents include license renewals and other notices, fishing and marine equipment operator's license, court papers or grade reports or transcripts.Government office includes any local — including county, city, township, school district and village — state or federal government office, branch agency, commission, public college or university or public community college, whether or not in Ohio.Note: If you live in county outside of Erie County, this procedure is similar, including the same dates and identification requirements. Visit your local elections board for more details.In Ohio, absentee, or in-person early voting, begins Oct. 8.