Ensuring safe, secure and transparent elections

NORWALK — With the 2020 Presidential Election approaching and a new set of challenges due to the COVID-19 Virus, the Huron County Board of Elections is busy making additional preparations to ensure that there is a safe, secure, and transparent election. Director Cecilia Blevins and Deputy Director Ben Kline are working to provide the safest options for voters and poll workers this fall. "First and foremost, voters can choose how they will vote to limit any risk they may face of COVID19," Blevins said. "All Ohio voters, whose registration information is up-to-date, have the opportunity to vote in the election from the convenience of their own homes by requesting an absentee ballot, a secure practice we have used in Ohio since 2006. "Absentee voting has many benefits," Blevins continued. "You can vote safely, and early. It is convenient. It reduces the chance of lines at the polls on Election Day. And absentee ballots are the first votes counted on election night." Voters must first request an absentee ballot. For the 2020 General Election, the Ohio Secretary of State will mail applications for a ballot to all registered voters starting in September. Voters need only fill out and return the application, which must be received by the Board of Elections by noon the third day before the election. "The voter submits an application as far in advance of the election as possible to ensure there is sufficient time for the board to mail the ballot and for the voter to timely return his/her ballot," Kline said. "These applications are carefully reviewed for correct information and correct signatures, and then the ballots are sent to the voters." Voters' absentee ballot are mailed to them so they can make their selections at their leisure, and return their ballot to the board of elections ahead of Election Day. Kline asks voters to be mindful of deadlines. "If mailed, absentee ballots must be postmarked by the day before the election in order to be counted. You can also return your absentee ballot in-person to the board of elections before the close of the polls at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. You don't even need to get out of your car; just drop into the ballot drop box in front of the board office." Voters also have the option to utilize early in-person voting. Starting the day after the close of voter registration on Oct. 6, any registered voter may vote an absentee ballot in person at their county board of elections. Voters should go to the Huron County Administration Building, Meeting Room A in the basement of 180 Milan Ave., Norwalk to vote. Voters should park in the rear of the building and use Entrance C. Hours vary weekly, are listed below, and are posted on the boards website at www.huron.boe.ohio.gov. Voters can, of course, choose to vote on Election Day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the polling location that they have been assigned. The board has also been working with the Huron County Health Department (HCDP) and Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to implement the best safety practices for in-person voters, such as wearing masks, safe distancing and using thorough sanitation practices. In addition to guidance, the HCDP and EMA have been helpful in obtaining disinfectant spray, gloves, face masks, and face shields for the poll workers. Voters will be highly encouraged to wear a mask to protect themselves, our dedicated poll workers, and other voters. Masks may be mandated by the governor if the risk is still high. At polling places, voters will see improvements to help with distancing such as large 8' x 7' protective shields at check in and the tables where they receive their ballots. Devices used by voters, such as the stylus to sign the Poll Pad, and sharpies used to mark ballots, will be collected and cleaned after each use. Once voters fill out their ballot, they will insert the ballot into a touchless scanner. Hand sanitizer will be placed around the polling locations for both the voters and workers to use throughout the day. Disinfectant spray and wipes will be used to clean voting booths, door handles, and other commonly used areas on a regular basis. Additional workers will be added to clean the polling locations throughout the day. NOV. 3, 2020 GENERAL ELECTION • Military & Overseas Absentee Voting: Begins Sept. 18 (46 Days Before Election Day) • Early In-Person Voting: Begins Oct. 6 and includes the two Saturdays, two Sundays and the Monday before Election Day • Absentee Voting By Mail: Begins Oct. 6 (28 Days Before Election Day) • Election Day: November 3 (Polls Open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) IMPORTANT DATES: SEPTEMBER • Sept. 18: Military and Overseas Absentee Voting begins OCTOBER • Oct. 5: Deadline to Register to Vote (BOEs open until 9:00 p.m.) • Oct. 6: Absentee Voting by Mail begins (ends November 2) • Oct. 6: Early In-Person Voting begins • Oct. 31: Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot (Noon) EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING HOURS FOR OCTOBER • Oct. 6-9: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Oct. 12-16: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Oct. 19-23: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Oct. 24: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Oct. 25: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. • Oct. 26-30: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. • Oct. 31: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. NOVEMBER • Nov. 2: Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by this date • Nov. 3: General Election: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. • Nov. 3: Voters are able to drop off absentee ballot at their county board of elections office until 7:30 p.m. EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING HOURS FOR NOVEMBER • Nov. 1: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. • Nov. 2: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.