Source: http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/electionlaw/ebook/part1/eligibility_rules_os.html
Timestamp: 2018-04-26 01:57:39
Document Index: 1883937

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503', '§ 3503']

» Section 1.1 - Registration Rules
This topic is monitored by Moritz Law Professor Terri Enns
§ 3503.01. Age and residence; assignment of electors to adjoining precinct.
When only a portion of a precinct is included within the boundaries of a school district, the board of elections may assign the electors residing in such portion of a precinct to the nearest precinct or portion of a precinct within the boundaries of such school district for the purpose of voting at any special school election held in such school district. In any election in which only a part of the electors in a precinct is qualified to vote, the board may assign voters in such part to an adjoining precinct. Such assignment may be made to an adjoining precinct in another county with the consent and approval of the board of elections of such other county.
The board shall notify all such electors so assigned, at least ten days prior to the holding of any such election, of the location of the polling place where they are entitled to vote at such election.
§ 3503.011. Qualifications to vote in primary.
§ 3503.02. Rules for determining residence.
(D) The place where the family of a married man or woman resides shall be considered to be his or her place of residence; except that when the husband and wife have separated and live apart, the place where he or she resides the length of time required to entitle a person to vote shall be considered to be his or her place of residence.
(G) If a person removes from this state to engage in the services of the United States government, the person shall not be considered to have lost the person's residence in this state during the period of such service, and likewise should the person enter the employment of the state, the place where such person resided at the time of the person's removal shall be considered to be the person's place of residence.
§ 3503.02. Rules for determining residence. (Effective 5/2/06)
(I) If a person does not have a fixed place of habitation, but has a shelter or other location at which the person has been a consistent or regular inhabitant and to which the person has the intention of returning, that shelter or other location shall be deemed the person's residence for the purposes of registering to vote.
§ 3503.03. Inmates of soldiers' homes.
Infirm or disabled soldiers who are inmates of a national home for such soldiers, who are citizens of the United States and have resided in this state thirty days immediately preceding any election, and who are otherwise qualified as to age and residence within the county and township shall have their lawful residence in the county and township in which such home is located.
§ 3503.04. Inmates of public or private institutions.
Persons who are inmates of a public or private institution who are citizens of the United States and have resided in this state thirty days immediately preceding the election, and who are otherwise qualified as to age and residence within the county shall have their lawful residence in the county, city, village and township in which said institution is located provided, that the lawful residence of a qualified elector who is an inmate in such an institution for temporary treatment only, shall be the residence from which he entered such institution.
§ 3503.06. Registration and residence requirements.
No person shall be entitled to vote at any election, or to sign or circulate any declaration of candidacy or any nominating, initiative, referendum, or recall petition, unless the person is registered as an elector and will have resided in the county and precinct where the person is registered for at least thirty days at the time of the next election.
§ 3503.06. Registration and residence requirements. (Effective 5/2/06)
(A) No person shall be entitled to vote at any election, or to sign or circulate any declaration of candidacy or any nominating or recall petition, unless the person is registered as an elector and will have resided in the county and precinct where the person is registered for at least thirty days at the time of the next election.
(1) No person shall be entitled to circulate any initiative or referendum petition unless the person is a resident of this state.
§ 3503.07. Qualifications for registering.
Each person who will be of the age of eighteen years or more at the next ensuing November election, who is a citizen of the United States, and who, if he continues to reside in the precinct until the next election, will at that time have fulfilled all the requirements as to length of residence to qualify him as an elector shall, unless otherwise disqualified, be entitled to be registered as an elector in such precinct. When once registered, an elector shall not be required to register again unless his registration is canceled.
§ 3503.08. Registration supplies; rules.
The board of elections shall provide such printed forms, blanks, supplies, and equipment and prescribe such reasonable rules as are necessary to carry out sections 3503.06 to 3503.32 Å of the Revised Code.
§ 3503.10. Voter registration programs for designated state agencies, schools, libraries and county treasurers.
(A) Each designated agency shall designate one person within that agency to serve as coordinator for the voter registration program within the agency and its departments, divisions, and programs. The designated person shall be trained under a program designed by the secretary of state and shall be responsible for administering all aspects of the voter registration program for that agency as prescribed by the secretary of state. The designated person shall receive no additional compensation for performing such duties.
(B) Every designated agency, public high school and vocational school, public library, and office of a county treasurer shall provide in each of its offices or locations voter registration applications and assistance in the registration of persons qualified to register to vote, in accordance with this chapter.
(C) Every designated agency shall distribute to its applicants, prior to or in conjunction with distributing a voter registration application, a form prescribed by the secretary of state that includes all of the following:
(1) The question, "Do you want to register to vote or update your current voter registration?" - followed by boxes for the applicant to indicate whether the applicant would like to register or decline to register to vote, and the statement, highlighted in bold print, "If you do not check either box, you will be considered to have decided not to register to vote at this time.";
(2) If the agency provides public assistance, the statement, "Applying to register or declining to register to vote will not affect the amount of assistance that you will be provided by this agency.";
(3) The statement, "If you would like help in filling out the voter registration application form, we will help you. The decision whether to seek or accept help is yours. You may fill out the application form in private.";
(4) The statement, "If you believe that someone has interfered with your right to register or to decline to register to vote, your right to privacy in deciding whether to register or in applying to register to vote, or your right to choose your own political party or other political preference, you may file a complaint with the prosecuting attorney of your county or with the secretary of state," with the address and telephone number for each such official's office.
(D) Each designated agency shall distribute a voter registration form prescribed by the secretary of state to each applicant with each application for service or assistance, and with each written application or form for recertification, renewal, or change of address.
(E) Each designated agency shall do all of the following:
(1) Have employees trained to administer the voter registration program in order to provide to each applicant who wishes to register to vote and who accepts assistance, the same degree of assistance with regard to completion of the voter registration application as is provided by the agency with regard to the completion of its own form;
(2) Accept completed voter registration applications, voter registration change of residence forms, and voter registration change of name forms, regardless of whether the application or form was distributed by the designated agency, for transmittal to the office of the board of elections in the county in which the agency is located. Each designated agency and the appropriate board of elections shall establish a method by which the voter registration applications and other voter registration forms are transmitted to that board of elections within five days after being accepted by the agency.
(3) If the designated agency is one that is primarily engaged in providing services to persons with disabilities under a state-funded program, and that agency provides services to a person with disabilities at a person's home, provide the services described in divisions (E)(1) and (2) of this section at the person's home;
(4) Keep as confidential, except as required by the secretary of state for record-keeping purposes, the identity of an agency through which a person registered to vote or updated the person's voter registration records, and information relating to a declination to register to vote made in connection with a voter registration application issued by a designated agency.
(F) The secretary of state shall prepare and transmit written instructions on the implementation of the voter registration program within each designated agency, public high school and vocational school, public library, and office of a county treasurer. The instructions shall include directions as follows:
(1) That each person designated to assist with voter registration maintain strict neutrality with respect to a person's political philosophies, a person's right to register or decline to register, and any other matter that may influence a person's decision to register or not register to vote;
(2) That each person designated to assist with voter registration not seek to influence a person's decision to register or not register to vote, not display or demonstrate any political preference or party allegiance, and not make any statement to a person or take any action the purpose or effect of which is to lead a person to believe that a decision to register or not register has any bearing on the availability of services or benefits offered, on the grade in a particular class in school, or on credit for a particular class in school;
(3) Regarding when and how to assist a person in completing the voter registration application, what to do with the completed voter registration application or voter registration update form, and when the application must be transmitted to the appropriate board of elections;
(4) Regarding what records must be kept by the agency and where and when those records should be transmitted to satisfy reporting requirements imposed on the secretary of state under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993;
(5) Regarding whom to contact to obtain answers to questions about voter registration forms and procedures.
(G) If the voter registration activity is part of an in-class voter registration program in a public high school or vocational school, whether prescribed by the secretary of state or independent of the secretary of state, the board of education shall do all of the following:
(1) Establish a schedule of school days and hours during these days when the person designated to assist with voter registration shall provide voter registration assistance;
(2) Designate a person to assist with voter registration from the public high school's or vocational school's staff;
(3) Make voter registration applications and materials available, as outlined in the voter registration program established by the secretary of state pursuant to section 3501.05 of the Revised Code;
(4) Distribute the statement, "applying to register or declining to register to vote will not affect or be a condition of your receiving a particular grade in or credit for a school course or class, participating in a curricular or extracurricular activity, receiving a benefit or privilege, or participating in a program or activity otherwise available to pupils enrolled in this school district's schools.";
(5) Establish a method by which the voter registration application and other voter registration forms are transmitted to the board of elections within five days after being accepted by the public high school or vocational school.
(H) Any person employed by the designated agency, public high school or vocational school, public library, or office of a county treasurer may be designated to assist with voter registration pursuant to this section. The designated agency, public high school or vocational school, public library, or office of a county treasurer shall provide the designated person, and make available such space as may be necessary, without charge to the county or state.
(I) The secretary of state shall prepare and cause to be displayed in a prominent location in each designated agency a notice that identifies the person designated to assist with voter registration, the nature of that person's duties, and where and when that person is available for assisting in the registration of voters.
A designated agency may furnish additional supplies and services to disseminate information to increase public awareness of the existence of a person designated to assist with voter registration in every designated agency.
§ 3503.11. Voter registration duties of registrar of motor vehicles and deputy registrars.
When any person applies for a driver's license, commercial driver's license, a state of Ohio identification card issued under section 4507.50 of the Revised Code, or motorcycle operator's license or endorsement, or the renewal or duplicate of any license or endorsement under Chapter 4506. or 4507. of the Revised Code, the registrar of motor vehicles or deputy registrar shall offer the applicant the opportunity to register to vote or to update his or her voter registration. The registrar of motor vehicles or deputy registrar also shall make available to all other customers voter registration applications or change of residence or change of name applications but is not required to offer assistance to these customers in completing the voter registration application.
The registrar or deputy registrar shall send any completed registration application or change of residence and change of name notice to the board of elections of the county in which the office of the registrar or deputy registrar is located, within five days after accepting the application or notice.
The registrar shall collect from each deputy registrar through the reports filed under division (J) of section 4503.03 of the Revised Code and transmit to the secretary of state information on the number of voter registration applications and change of residence or change of name notices completed or declined, and any additional information required by the secretary of state to comply with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. No information relating to an applicant's decision to decline to register or update his or her voter registration at the office of the registrar or deputy registrar may be used for any purpose other than voter registration record keeping required by the secretary of state, and all such information shall be kept confidential.
The secretary of state shall prescribe voter registration applications and change of residence and change of name notices for use by the bureau of motor vehicles. The bureau of motor vehicles shall supply all of its deputy registrars with a sufficient number of voter registration applications and change of residence and change of name notices.
§ 3503.11. Voter registration duties of registrar of motor vehicles and deputy registrars. (Effective 5/2/06)
When any person applies for a driver's license, commercial driver's license, a state of Ohio identification card issued under section 4507.50 of the Revised Code, or motorcycle operator's license or endorsement, or the renewal or duplicate of any license or endorsement under Chapter 4506. or 4507. of the Revised Code, the registrar of motor vehicles or deputy registrar shall offer the applicant the opportunity to register to vote or to update the applicant's voter registration. The registrar of motor vehicles or deputy registrar also shall make available to all other customers voter registration applications and change of residence and change of name forms, but is not required to offer assistance to these customers in completing the voter registration application or other form.
The registrar or deputy registrar shall send any completed registration application or any completed change of residence or change of name form to the board of elections of the county in which the office of the registrar or deputy registrar is located, within five days after accepting the application or other form.
The registrar shall collect from each deputy registrar through the reports filed under division (J) of section 4503.03 of the Revised Code and transmit to the secretary of state information on the number of voter registration applications and change of residence or change of name forms completed or declined, and any additional information required by the secretary of state to comply with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. No information relating to an applicant's decision to decline to register or update the applicant's voter registration at the office of the registrar or deputy registrar may be used for any purpose other than voter registration record keeping required by the secretary of state, and all such information shall be kept confidential.
§ 3503.111. Registration on behalf of county of residence.
The board of elections of any county shall register or change the registration of any person determined not to be a resident in that county under section 3503.02 of the Revised Code, who is a resident and a qualified elector of another county in this state, on behalf of the county of residence.
The director of any board of elections registering a person under this section shall send the completed registration form of that person to the director of the board of elections of the county of residence, who shall enter the form in the proper registration files and shall promptly send an acknowledgment notice as prescribed by the secretary of state to the registrant at the new address listed on the registration form.
§ 3503.12. Advertising methods of registration; removal of barriers to handicapped.
All registrations shall be carefully checked, and in case any person is found to have registered more than once, the additional registration forms shall be canceled by the board of elections.
Six weeks prior to the day of a special, primary, or general election, the board shall publish notices in one or more newspapers of general circulation advertising the places, dates, times, methods of registration, and voter qualifications for registration.
The board shall establish a schedule or program to assure to the extent reasonably possible that, on or before November 1, 1980, all registration places shall be free of barriers that would impede the ingress and egress of handicapped persons. Entrances shall be level or shall be provided with a nonskid ramp of not over eight per cent gradient, and doors shall be a minimum of thirty-two inches wide. Registration places located at polling places shall, however, comply with the requirements of section 3501.29 of the Revised Code for the elimination of barriers.
As used in this section, "handicapped" means having lost the use of one or both legs, one or both arms, or any combination thereof, or being blind or so severely disabled as to be unable to move about without the aid of crutches or a wheelchair.
§ 3503.13. Registration forms, records.
(A) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, registration forms shall consist of original and duplicate cards or loose-leaf pages as prescribed by the secretary of state. When such registration forms have been filled out and filed in the office of the board of elections, the original forms shall be filed together in one file and the duplicate forms shall be filed together in another file. Except as otherwise provided in division (D) of this section, the original forms shall be filed by precincts and shall constitute the precinct register for use in polling places on election day. The duplicate forms shall be filed alphabetically and shall constitute the permanent office record of the board. It shall not be removed from the office of the board except upon the order of a court.
(B) Except as otherwise provided by state or federal law, the registration records shall be open to public inspection at all times when the office of the board is open for business, under such regulations as the board adopts, provided that no person shall be permitted to inspect such records except in the presence of an employee of the board.
(C) The board of elections of a county that adopts or has adopted electronic data processing for the registration of qualified electors of the county may use a single registration form complying with the requirements of division (A) of this section. The information contained on the form may be duplicated on punch cards, magnetic tape, discs, diskettes, or such other media as are compatible with the data processing system adopted by the board and may constitute the permanent office record in lieu of the duplicate registration card.
(D) Instead of using the original registration forms as the precinct register in the polling places on election day as provided in division (A) of this section, a board of elections that has adopted electronic data processing may use a legible digitized signature list of voter signatures, copied from the signatures on the registration forms in a form and manner prescribed by the secretary of state, provided that the board continues to record and maintain at the board office the information obtained from the form prescribed under section 3503.14 of the Revised Code, and provided that the precinct election officials have computer printouts at the polls containing any necessary information specified by the secretary of state that would otherwise be available to them on the registration forms.
§ 3503.13. Registration forms, records. (Effective 5/2/06)
(A) Except as otherwise provided by state or federal law, registration forms submitted by applicants and the statewide voter registration database established under section 3503.15 of the Revised Code shall be open to public inspection at all times when the office of the board of elections is open for business, under such regulations as the board adopts, provided that no person shall be permitted to inspect voter registration forms except in the presence of an employee of the board.
(B) A board of elections may use a legible digitized signature list of voter signatures, copied from the signatures on the registration forms in a form and manner prescribed by the secretary of state, provided that the board includes the required voter registration information in the statewide voter registration database established under section 3503.15 of the Revised Code, and provided that the precinct election officials have computer printouts at the polls prepared in the manner required under section 3503.23 of the Revised Code.
§ 3503.14. Content of forms; persons unable to sign.
The secretary of state shall prescribe the form and content of the registration and change of residence and change of name form used in this state. The form shall set forth the eligibility requirements needed to qualify as an elector and meet the requirements of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
Any applicant who is unable to sign his name shall make an "X," if possible, which shall be certified by the signing of the name of the applicant by the person filling out the registration form, who shall add his own signature. If an applicant is unable to make an "X," he shall indicate in some manner that he desires to register to vote or to change his name or residence. The person registering such an applicant shall sign the form and attest that the applicant indicated that he desired to register to vote or to change his name or residence.
§ 3503.14. Content of forms; persons unable to sign. (Effective 5/2/06)
(A) The secretary of state shall prescribe the form and content of the registration, change of residence, and change of name forms used in this state. The forms shall meet the requirements of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and shall include spaces for all of the following:
(c) A copy of a current and valid photo identification, a copy of a military identification that shows the voter's name and current address, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document, other than a notice of an election mailed by a board of elections under section 3501.19 of the Revised Code or a notice of voter registration mailed by a board of elections under section 3503.19 of the Revised Code, that shows the voter's name and address.
§ 3503.15 Voter Registration Databases; Rules; Training (Effective 5/2/06)
(A) The secretary of state shall establish and maintain a statewide voter registration database that shall be continuously available to each board of elections and to other agencies as authorized by law.
(1) The statewide voter registration database established under this section shall be made available on a web site of the office of the secretary of state as follows:
§ 3503.16. Change of residence or name forms; eligibility to vote where form not filed.
(A) Whenever a registered elector changes the place of residence of that registered elector from one precinct to another within a county or from one county to another, or has a change of name, that registered elector shall report the change by delivering a change of residence or change of name form, whichever is appropriate, as prescribed by the secretary of state under section 3503.14 of the Revised Code to the state or local office of a designated agency, a public high school or vocational school, a public library, the office of the county treasurer, the office of the secretary of state, any office of the registrar or deputy registrar of motor vehicles, or any office of a board of elections in person or by a third person. Any voter registration, change of address, or change of name application, returned by mail, may be sent only to the secretary of state or the board of elections.
(B) (1) Any registered elector who moves within a precinct or changes the name of that registered elector and remains within a precinct on or prior to the day of a general, primary, or special election and has not filed a notice of change or residence or change of name, whichever is appropriate, with the board of elections may vote in that election by going to that registered elector's assigned polling place, completing and signing a notice of change of residence or change of name, whichever is appropriate, and casting a ballot.
(a) Appears at anytime during regular business hours on or after the twenty-eighth day prior to the election in which that registered elector wishes to vote, or if the election is held on the day of a presidential primary election, the twenty-fifth day prior to the election, through noon of the Saturday prior to the election or during regular business hours on the Monday prior to the election at the office of the board of elections, or appears on the day of the election at either of the following locations:
(ii) The location designated by the board of elections, which shall be the office of the board or another appropriate site designated by the board in the county in which that registered elector resides.
(b) Completes and signs, under penalty of election falsification, a notice of change of residence or change of name, whichever is appropriate, and files it with election officials at the polling place, at the office of the board of elections, or at the site designated by the board, whichever is appropriate;
(c) Votes at the polling place, at the office of the board of elections, or at the site designated by the board, whichever is appropriate, by absent voter's ballots using the address to which that registered elector has moved or the name of that registered elector as changed, whichever is appropriate;
(d) Completes and signs, under penalty of election falsification, a statement attesting that that registered elector moved or had a change of name, whichever is appropriate, on or prior to the day of the election, has voted at the polling place in the precinct in which that registered elector resides, at the office of the board of elections, or at the site designated by the board, whichever is appropriate, and will not vote or attempt to vote at any other location for that particular election. The statement required under division (B)(2)(d) of this section may be included on the notice of change of residence or change of name, whichever is appropriate, required under division (B)(2)(b) of this section.
(1) Appears at any time during regular business hours on or after the twenty-eighth day prior to the election in which that registered elector wishes to vote, or if the election is held on the day of a presidential primary election, the twenty-fifth day prior to the election, through noon of the Saturday prior to the election or during regular business hours on the Monday prior to the election at the office of the board of elections, or appears on the day of the election at the location designated by the board of elections, which shall be either the office of the board or another appropriate site designated by the board in the county in which that registered elector resides;
(2) Completes and signs, under penalty of election falsification, a notice of change of residence and files it with election officials at the board or at the site designated by the board, whichever is appropriate;
(3) Votes at the office of the board of elections or at a site designated by the board by absent voter's ballots using the address to which that registered elector has moved;
(4) Completes and signs, under penalty of election falsification, a statement attesting that that registered elector has moved from one county to another county within the state on or prior to the day of the election, has voted at the office of the board of elections or at the site designated by the board, whichever is appropriate, and will not vote or attempt to vote at any other location for that particular election. The statement required under division (C)(4) of this section may be included on the notice of change of residence required under division (C)(2) of this section.
(D) A person who votes by absent voter's ballots pursuant to division (B), (C), or (G) of this section shall not make written application for the ballots pursuant to Chapter 3509. of the Revised Code. Ballots cast pursuant to division (B), (C), or (G) of this section shall be set aside in a special envelope and counted during the official canvass of votes in the manner provided for in sections 3505.32 and 3509.06 of the Revised Code insofar as that manner is applicable. The board shall examine the pollbooks to verify that no ballot was cast at the polls or by absent voter's ballots under Chapter 3509. or 3511. of the Revised Code by an elector who has voted by absent voter's ballots pursuant to division (B), (C), or (G) of this section. Any ballot determined to be insufficient for any of the reasons stated above or stated in section 3509.07 of the Revised Code shall not be counted.
A board of elections may lease or otherwise acquire a site different from the office of the board at which registered electors may vote pursuant to division (B) or (C) of this section.
(G) A registered elector who otherwise would qualify to vote under division (B) or (C) of this section but is unable to appear at the office of the board or other location designated by the board on account of personal illness, physical disability, or infirmity, may vote on the day of the election if that registered elector does all of the following:
(1) Makes written application to the appropriate board for an absent voter's ballot on or after the twenty-seventh day prior to the election in which the registered elector wishes to vote through noon of the Saturday prior to that election and requests that the absent voter's ballot be sent to the address to which the registered elector has moved if the registered elector has moved, or to the address of that registered elector who has not moved but has had a change of name;
(2) Declares that the registered elector has moved or had a change of name, whichever is appropriate, and otherwise is qualified to vote under the circumstances described in division (B) or (C) of this section, whichever is appropriate, but that the registered elector is unable to appear at the board or other location designated by the board because of personal illness, physical disability, or infirmity;
(4) Completes and signs, under penalty of election falsification, a statement attesting that the registered elector has moved or had a change of name on or prior to the day before the election, has voted by absent voter's ballot because of personal illness, physical disability, or infirmity that prevented the registered elector from appearing at the board or other location designated by the board, and will not vote or attempt to vote at any other location or by absent voter's ballot mailed to any other location or address for that particular election.
§ 3503.16. Change of residence or name forms; eligibility to vote where form not filed. (Effective 5/2/06)
(a) Any registered elector who moves within a precinct on or prior to the day of a general, primary, or special election and has not filed a notice of change of residence with the board of elections may vote in that election by going to that registered elector's assigned polling place, completing and signing a notice of change of residence showing identification in the form of a current and valid photo identification, a military identification that shows the voter's name and current address, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document, other than a notice of an election mailed by a board of elections under section 3501.19 of the Revised Code or a notice of voter registration mailed by a board of elections under section 3503.19 of the Revised Code, that shows the name and current address of the elector, and casting a ballot. If the elector provides either a driver's license or a state identification card issued under section 4507.50 of the Revised Code that does not contain the elector's current residence address, the elector shall provide the last four digits of the elector's driver's license number or state identification card number, and the precinct election official shall mark the poll list or signature pollbook to indicate that the elector has provided a driver's license or state identification card number with a former address and record the last four digits of the elector's driver's license number or state identification card number.
(a) Appears at anytime during regular business hours on or after the twenty-eighth day prior to the election in which that registered elector wishes to vote, or, if the election is held on the day of a presidential primary election, the twenty-fifth day prior to the election, through noon of the Saturday prior to the election at the office of the board of elections, appears at any time during regular business hours on the Monday prior to the election at the office of the board of elections, or appears on the day of the election at either of the following locations:
(b) Completes and signs, under penalty of election falsification, a notice of change of residence or change of name, whichever is appropriate, and files it with election officials at the polling place, at the office of the board of elections or, if pursuant to division (C) of section 3501.10 of the Revised Code the board has designated another location in the county at which registered electors may vote, at that other location instead of the office of the board of elections, whichever is appropriate;
(1) Appears at any time during regular business hours on or after the twenty-eighth day prior to the election in which that registered elector wishes to vote, or, if the election is held on the day of a presidential primary election, the twenty-fifth day prior to the election, through noon of the Saturday prior to the election at the office of the board of elections or, if pursuant to division (C) of section 3501.10 of the Revised Code the board has designated another location in the county at which registered electors may vote, at that other location instead of the office of the board of elections, appears during regular business hours on the Monday prior to the election at the office of the board of elections or, if pursuant to division (C) of section 3501.10 of the Revised Code the board has designated another location in the county at which registered electors may vote, at that other location instead of the office of the board of elections, or appears on the day of the election at the office of the board of elections or, if pursuant to division (C) of section 3501.10 of the Revised Code the board has designated another location in the county at which registered electors may vote, at that other location instead of the office of the board of elections;
§ 3503.17. Change in precinct boundaries.
When a new precinct has been created, or the boundaries thereof have been changed, the election authorities shall correct and transfer the registration forms of registered electors whose voting precincts have thus been changed and shall notify such registrants by mail. The registration of an elector shall not be invalidated by such alteration or transfer nor shall the right of any registered elector to vote be prejudiced by any error in making out the certified list of registered voters.
§ 3503.18. Cancellation of registration due to death, incompetency or disfranchisement.
The chief health officer of each political subdivision and the director of health shall file with the board of elections, at least once each month, the names, dates of birth, dates of death, and residences of all persons, over eighteen years of age, who have died within such subdivision or within this state or another state, respectively, within such month. At least once each month the probate judge shall file with the board the names and residence addresses of all persons over eighteen years of age who have been adjudicated incompetent for the purpose of voting, as provided in section 5122.301 [5122.30.1] of the Revised Code. At least once each month the clerk of the court of common pleas shall file with the board the names and residence addresses of all persons who have been convicted during the previous month of crimes that would disfranchise such persons under existing laws of the state. Reports of conviction of crimes under the laws of the United States that would disfranchise an elector and that are provided to the secretary of state by any United States attorney shall be forwarded by the secretary of state to the appropriate board of elections.
Upon receiving any report described in this section, the board of elections shall promptly cancel registration of the elector. If the report contains a residence address of an elector in a county other than the county in which the board of elections is located, the director shall promptly send a copy of the report to the appropriate board of elections, which shall cancel the registration.
§ 3503.19. Methods of registering or changing registration; mailing of confirmation or rejection notice.
(A) Persons qualified to register or to change their registration because of a change of address or change of name may register or change their registration in person at any state or local office of a designated agency, at the office of the registrar or any deputy registrar of motor vehicles, at a public high school or vocational school, at a public library, at the office of a county treasurer, or at a branch office established by the board of elections, or in person, through another person, or by mail at the office of the secretary of state or at the office of a board of elections. A registered elector may also change the elector's registration at any polling place where the elector is eligible to vote, on election day.
(B) Any person may apply in person, by telephone, by mail, or through another person for voter registration forms to the office of the secretary of state or the office of a board of elections. Completed registration forms may be returned in person or through another person to any state or local office of a designated agency, to a public high school or vocational school, to a public library, or to the office of a county treasurer, or in person, through another person, or by mail to the office of the secretary of state or the office of a board of elections.
(C) A board of elections that receives a voter registration application and is satisfied as to the truth of the statements made in the registration form shall register the applicant and promptly notify the applicant of the applicant's registration and the precinct in which the applicant is to vote. The notification shall be by nonforwardable mail, and if the mail is returned to the board, it shall investigate and cause the notification to be delivered to the correct address; or if it determines that the voter is not eligible to vote for residency reasons it shall cancel the registration and notify the registrant, at the last known address, of a need to reregister. If the board does not accept the application for registration, it shall immediately notify the applicant of the reasons for rejecting the application and request the applicant to provide whatever information or verification is necessary to complete the application.
§ 3503.19. Methods of registering or changing registration; mailing of confirmation or rejection notice. (Effective 5/2/06)
(A) Persons qualified to register or to change their registration because of a change of address or change of name may register or change their registration in person at any state or local office of a designated agency, at the office of the registrar or any deputy registrar of motor vehicles, at a public high school or vocational school, at a public library, at the office of a county treasurer, or at a branch office established by the board of elections, or in person, through another person, or by mail at the office of the secretary of state or at the office of a board of elections. A registered elector may also change the elector's registration on election day at any polling place where the elector is eligible to vote, in the manner provided under section 3503.16 of the Revised Code.
(1) Any person may apply in person, by telephone, by mail, or throughanother person for voter registration forms to the office of the secretary of state or the office of a board of elections.
(a) An applicant may return the applicant's completed form in person or by mail to any state or local office of a designated agency, to a public high school or vocational school, to a public library, to the office of a county treasurer, to the office of the secretary of state, or to the office of a board of elections.
(1) A board of elections that receives a voter registration application and is satisfied as to the truth of the statements made in the registration form shall register the applicant not later than twenty business days after receiving the application, unless that application is received during the thirty days immediately preceding the day of an election. The board shall promptly notify the applicant in writing of each of the following:
"Voters must bring identification to the polls in order to verify identity. Identification may include a current and valid photo identification, a military identification that shows the voter's name and current address, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document, other than this notification or a notification of an election mailed by a board of elections, that shows the voter's name and current address. Voters who do not provide one of these documents will still be able to vote by providing the last four digits of the voter's social security number and by casting a provisional ballot. Voters who do not have any of the above forms of identification, including a social security number, will still be able to vote by signing an affirmation swearing to the voter's identity under penalty of election falsification and by casting a provisional ballot."
The notification shall be by nonforwardable mail. If the mail is returned to the board, it shall investigate and cause the notification to be delivered to the correct address
(3) If a notice of the disposition of an otherwise valid registration application is sent by nonforwardable mail and is returned undelivered, the person shall be registered as provided in division (C)(2) of this section and sent a confirmation notice by forwardable mail. If the person fails to respond to the confirmation notice, update the person's registration, or vote by provisional ballot as provided in division (C)(2) of this section in any election during the period of two federal elections subsequent to the mailing of the confirmation notice, the person's registration shall be canceled
§ 3503.21. Events resulting in cancellation of registration; procedures to verify or correct change of address.
(A) The registration of a registered elector shall be canceled upon the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) The filing by a registered elector of a written request with a board of elections, on a form prescribed by the secretary of state and signed by the elector, that his registration be canceled. The filing of such a request does not prohibit an otherwise qualified elector from reregistering to vote at any time.
(2) The filing of a notice of the death of the registered elector as provided in section 3503.18 of the Revised Code;
(3) The conviction of the registered elector of a felony under the laws of this state, any other state, or the United States as provided in section 2961.01 of the Revised Code;
(4) The adjudication of incompetency of the registered elector for the purpose of voting as provided in section 5122.301 [5122.30.1] of the Revised Code;
(5) The change of residence of the registered elector to a location outside the county of registration in accordance with division (B) of this section;
(6) The failure of the registered elector, after he has been mailed a confirmation notice, to do either of the following:
(b) Update his registration and vote at least once during a period of four consecutive years, which period shall include two general federal elections.
(B) The secretary of state shall prescribe procedures to identify and cancel the registration in a prior county of residence of any registrant who changes his voting residence to a location outside his current county of registration. Any procedures prescribed in this division shall be uniform and nondiscriminatory, and shall comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The secretary of state may prescribe procedures under this division that include the use of the national change of address service provided by the United States postal system through its licensees. Any program so prescribed shall be completed not later than ninety days prior to the date of any primary or general election for federal office.
The registration of any elector identified as having changed his voting residence to a location outside his current county of registration shall not be canceled unless the registrant is sent a confirmation notice on a form prescribed by the secretary of state and the registrant fails to respond to the confirmation notice or otherwise update his registration and fails to vote in any election during the period of two federal elections subsequent to the mailing of the confirmation notice.
(C) The registration of a registered elector shall not be canceled except as provided in this section.
(D) Boards of elections shall send their voter registration lists to the secretary of state semiannually. In the first quarter of each odd-numbered year, the secretary of state shall send the information contained in these lists to the national change of address service described in division (B) of this section and request that service to provide the secretary of state with a list of any voters on the lists sent by the secretary of state who have moved within the last thirty-six months. The secretary of state shall transmit to each appropriate board of elections whatever lists he receives from that service. The board shall send a notice to each person on the list transmitted by the secretary of state requesting confirmation of the person's change of address, together with a postage prepaid, preaddressed return envelope containing a form on which the voter may verify or correct the change of address information.
§ 3503.21. Events resulting in cancellation of registration; procedures to verify or correct change of address. (Effective 5/2/06)
(4) The adjudication of incompetency of the registered elector for the purpose of voting as provided in section 5122.301 of the Revised Code;
(6) The failure of the registered elector, after having been mailed a confirmation notice, to do either of the following:
(1) The secretary of state shall prescribe procedures to identify and cancel the registration in a prior county of residence of any registrant who changes the registrant's voting residence to a location outside the registrant's current county of registration. Any procedures prescribed in this division shall be uniform and nondiscriminatory, and shall comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The secretary of state may prescribe procedures under this division that include the use of the national change of address service provided by the United States postal system through its licensees. Any program so prescribed shall be completed not later than ninety days prior to the date of any primary or general election for federal office.
(D) Boards of elections shall send their voter registration information to the secretary of state as required under section 3503.15 of the Revised Code. In the first quarter of each odd-numbered year, the secretary of state shall send the information to the national change of address service described in division (B) of this section and request that service to provide the secretary of state with a list of any voters sent by the secretary of state who have moved within the last thirty-six months. The secretary of state shall transmit to each appropriate board of elections whatever lists the secretary of state receives from that service. The board shall send a notice to each person on the list transmitted by the secretary of state requesting confirmation of the person's change of address, together with a postage prepaid, preaddressed return envelope containing a form on which the voter may verify or correct the change of address information.
(E) The registration of a registered elector described in division (A)(6) or (B)(2) of this section shall be canceled not later than one hundred twenty days after the date of the second general federal election in which the elector fails to vote or not later than one hundred twenty days after the expiration of the four-year period in which the elector fails to vote or respond to a confirmation notice, whichever is later.
§ 3503.23. Official registration lists for each precinct.
At least fifteen days before an election the board shall cause to be prepared from the registration cards a complete and official registration list for each precinct, containing the names, addresses, and political party whose ballot the elector voted in the most recent primary election within the current year and the immediately preceding two calendar years, of all qualified registered voters in the precinct. All the names, insofar as practicable, shall be arranged either in alphabetical order, or in geographical order according to streets in the precincts. All the lists shall be prepared in sheet form and on one side of the paper. Each precinct list shall be headed "Register of Voters," and under the heading shall be indicated the district or ward and precinct followed by the statement:
"Any voter of the county on or before the seventh day prior to the election may file with the board of elections at the board's offices located at .......... objections to the registration of any person on this list who, he has reason to believe, is not eligible to vote, or a request for the addition to the list of registered voters whose names have been omitted or who have been erroneously dropped from the registration list of the precinct."
Appended to each precinct list shall be attached the names of the members of the board and the name of the director. A sufficient number of such lists may be provided for distribution to the candidates, political parties, or organized groups that apply for them. The board shall have each precinct list available at the board for viewing by the public during normal business hours. The board shall ensure that, by the opening of the polls on the day of a general or primary election, each precinct has a copy of the registration list of voters in that precinct.
(B) On the day of a general or primary election, precinct election officials shall do both of the following:
(1) By the time the polls open, conspicuously post and display at the polling place one copy of the registration list of voters in that precinct;
(2) At 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. place a mark, on the official registration list posted at the polling place, before the name of those registered voters who have voted.
§ 3503.23. Official registration lists for each precinct. (Effective 5/2/06)
(A) Fourteen days before an election, the board of elections shall cause to be prepared from the statewide voter registration database established under section 3503.15 of the Revised Code a complete and official registration list for each precinct, containing the names, addresses, and political party whose ballot the elector voted in the most recent primary election within the current year and the immediately preceding two calendar years, of all qualified registered voters in the precinct. All the names, insofar as practicable, shall be arranged in alphabetical order. The lists may be prepared either in sheet form on one side of the paper or in electronic form, at the discretion of the board. Each precinct list shall be headed "Register of Voters," and under the heading shall be indicated the district or ward and precinct.
Appended to each precinct list shall be attached the names of the members of the board and the name of the director. A sufficient number of such lists shall be provided for distribution to the candidates, political parties, or organized groups that apply for them. The board shall have each precinct list available at the board for viewing by the public during normal business hours. The board shall ensure that, by the opening of the polls on the day of a general or primary election, each precinct has a paper copy of the registration list of voters in that precinct.
(1) By the time the polls open, conspicuously post and display at the polling place one copy of the registration list of voters in that precinct in an area of the polling place that is easily accessible;
(C) Notwithstanding division (B) of section 3501.35 of the Revised Code, any person may enter the polling place for the sole purpose of reviewing the official registration list posted in accordance with division (B) of this section, provided that the person does not engage in conduct that would constitute harassment in violation of the election law, as defined in section 3501.90 of the Revised Code.
§ 3503.24. Application for correction of list or challenge of right to vote; hearing.
Application for the correction of any precinct registration list or a challenge of the right to vote of any registered elector may be made by any qualified elector of the county at the office of the board of elections not later than eleven days prior to the election. The applications or challenges, with the reasons for the application or challenge, shall be filed with the board on a form prescribed by the secretary of state and shall be signed under penalty of election falsification.
On receiving an application or challenge filed under this section, the director shall promptly set a time and date for a hearing before the board. The hearing shall be held no later than two days prior to any election. The director shall send written notice to any elector whose right to vote is challenged and to any person whose name is alleged to have been omitted from a registration list. The notice shall inform the person of the time and date of the hearing, and of the person's right to appear and testify, call witnesses, and be represented by counsel. The notice shall be sent by first class mail no later than three days before the day of any scheduled hearing. The director shall also provide the person who filed the application or challenge with such written notice of the date and time of the hearing.
If the board decides that any such person is not entitled to have the person's name on the registration list, the person's name shall be removed from the list and the person's registration forms canceled. If the board decides that the name of any such person should appear on such registration list it shall be added thereto, and the person's registration forms placed in the proper registration files. All such corrections and additions shall be made on a copy of the precinct lists, which shall constitute the poll lists, to be furnished to the respective precincts with other election supplies on the day preceding the election, to be used by the clerks in receiving the signatures of voters and in checking against the registration forms.
§ 3503.24. Application for correction of list or challenge of right to vote; hearing. (Effective 5/2/06)
(A) Application for the correction of any precinct registration list or a challenge of the right to vote of any registered elector may be made by any qualified elector of the county at the office of the board of elections not later than twenty days prior to the election. The applications or challenges, with the reasons for the application or challenge, shall be filed with the board on a form prescribed by the secretary of state and shall be signed under penalty of election falsification.
If the board is not able to determine whether an application or challenge should be granted or denied solely on the basis of the records maintained by the board, the director shall promptly set a time and date for a hearing before the board. Except as otherwise provided in division (D) of this section, the hearing shall be held, and the application or challenge shall be decided, no later than ten days after the board receives the application or challenge. The director shall send written notice to any elector whose right to vote is challenged and to any person whose name is alleged to have been omitted from a registration list. The notice shall inform the person of the time and date of the hearing, and of the person's right to appear and testify, call witnesses, and be represented by counsel. The notice shall be sent by first class mail no later than three days before the day of any scheduled hearing. The director shall also provide the person who filed the application or challenge with such written notice of the date and time of the hearing.
(1) If an application or challenge for which a hearing is required to be conducted under division (B) of this section is filed after the thirtieth day before the day of an election, the board of elections, in its discretion, may postpone that hearing and any notifications of that hearing until after the day of the election. Any hearing postponed under this division shall be conducted not later than ten days after the day of the election.
§ 3503.25. Investigation of registrations.
The board of elections may conduct investigations, summon witnesses, and take testimony under oath regarding the registration of any voter or as to the accuracy of the registration lists in any precinct.
§ 3503.26. Custody of records and lists; inspection and copying.
(A) All registration forms and lists, when not in official use by the registrars or judges of elections, shall be in the possession of the board of elections. Names and addresses of electors may be copied from the registration lists only in the office of the board when it is open for business; but no such copying shall be permitted during the period of time commencing twenty-one days before an election and ending on the eleventh day after an election if such copying will, in the opinion of the board, interfere with the necessary work of the board. The board shall keep in convenient form and available for public inspection a correct set of the registration lists of all precincts in the county.
(B) Notwithstanding division (A) of this section the board of elections shall maintain and make available for public inspection and copying at a reasonable cost all records concerning the implementation of programs and activities conducted for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy and currency of voter registration lists, including the names and addresses of all registered electors sent confirmation notices and whether or not the elector responded to the confirmation notice. The board shall maintain all records described in this division for a period of two years.
§ 3503.27. Master file of registered voters.
In order to efficiently maintain accurate and current lists of registered voters, the secretary of state shall, beginning January 1, 1979, maintain a master file of all registered voters in this state. The secretary of state shall prescribe by directive the schedule and format by which boards of elections must submit accurate and current lists of all registered voters in their counties.
§ 3503.27. Master file of registered voters. (Effective 5/2/06)
§ 3503.28. Voter Registration Information Brochure (Effective 5/2/06)
(A) The secretary of state shall develop an information brochure regarding voter registration. The brochure shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following information:
"Voters must bring identification to the polls in order to verify identity. Identification may include a current and valid photo identification, a military identification that shows the voter's name and current address, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document, other than a notice of an election or a voter registration notification sent by a board of elections, that shows the voter's name and current address. Voters who do not provide one of these documents will still be able to vote by providing the last four digits of the voter's social security number and by casting a provisional ballot. Voters who do not have any of the above forms of identification, including a social security number, will still be able to vote by signing an affirmation swearing to the voter's identity under penalty of election falsification and by casting a provisional ballot."
(1) The secretary of state shall provide the information required to be included in the brochure developed under division (A) of this section to any person who prints a voter registration form that is made available on a web site of the office of the secretary of state.
§ 3503.29. Training Program for Persons Compensated for Registering Voters (Effective 5/2/06)
(A) The secretary of state shall develop and make available through a web site of the office of the secretary of state a training program for any person who receives or expects to receive compensation for registering a voter. The secretary of state shall specify, by rule adopted pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the information to be included in the online training program developed under this division.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in division (E) of this section, the secretary of state, by rules adopted pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall prescribe a program under which the secretary of state shall register any person who receives or expects to receive compensation for registering a voter in this state.
(C) Except as otherwise provided in division (E) of this section, in each year in which a person receives or expects to receive compensation for registering a voter, that person, prior to registering a voter, shall do all of the following:
(1) Register with the secretary of state in accordance with the program prescribed under division (B) of this section;
(2) Complete the training program established by the secretary of state under division (A) of this section.
(3) Sign an affirmation that includes all of the following:
(b) The person's date of birth;
(c) The person's permanent address;
(d) The name of each county in which the person expects to register voters;
(e) A statement that the person has registered, as required under division (C)(1) of this section, with the secretary of state;
(f) A statement that the person has completed the training program required under division (C)(2) of this section;
(g) A statement that the person will follow all applicable laws of this state while registering voters.
(D) Except as otherwise provided in division (E) of this section, each time a person who receives or expects to receive compensation for registering a voter submits a completed registration form that has been entrusted to that person to a board of elections, the person also shall submit, with the voter registration form, a copy of the affirmation signed by the person under division (C)(3) of this section. A single copy of the signed affirmation may be submitted with all voter registration forms that are returned by that person at one time.
(E) None of the following officials or employees who are registering voters in the course of the official's or employee's normal duties shall be required to comply with divisions (C) and (D) of this section:
(F) As used in this section, "registering a voter" and "registering voters" includes any effort, for compensation, to provide voter registration forms or to assist persons in completing or returning those forms.
§ 3503.30. Mistake in registration form.
When by mistake a qualified elector has caused himself to be registered in a precinct which was not his place of residence, the board of elections, on full and satisfactory proof that such error was committed by mistake, may, on his personal application and proof of his true residence, correct his registration form. The board may correct all errors occurring in the registration of electors when it finds that the errors subject to corrections were not of fraudulent intent.
§ 3503.33. Prior registration; cancellation authorization.
If an elector applying for registration is already registered in another state or in another county within this state, the elector shall declare this fact to the registration officer and shall sign an authorization to cancel the previous registration on a form prescribed by the secretary of state.
The director of the board of elections shall mail all such authorizations to the board of elections or comparable agency of the proper state and county. Upon the receipt of this authorization from the forwarding county, the director of a board of elections in Ohio, upon a comparison of the elector's signature with the elector's signature as it appears on the registration files, shall remove the elector's registration from the files, and place it with the cancellation authorization in a separate file which shall be kept for a period of two calendar years. The board shall notify the elector at the present address as shown on the cancellation authorization that his registration has been canceled.