"Curbside Voting" sign with accessibility symbol

2023 Voting resources for voters with disabilities

Each year registered voters – of every ability – exercise the right to vote on candidates, issues and levies. Did you know that voters with disabilities have additional voting resources you can tap into if needed? Make sure you know your rights and the resources available to help you make your voice heard during an election.

General registration status check or registration resources

The first step to voting is to make sure you are registered. Use this link to find out if you are registered to vote in Summit County.

If you are not registered, you can get registered either online or in person. It’s important to note that if you are not registered, you must register to vote 30 days PRIOR to an election. (For example, to vote in the November 7, 2023 General Election, you must register to vote, no later than October 10, 2023.)

  • You can register online by clicking on the Secretary of State’s website.
  • According to the Summit County Board of Elections, you can also get a printed voter registration form to register at:
    • your county Board of Elections (330-643-5200)
    • the Secretary of State’s Office
    • any public high school or vocational school
    • the office of any Bureau of Motor Vehicles
    • offices of designated agencies which provide public assistance or disability programs (like Summit DD – forms are available at our reception desks)
    • Public libraries
    • County Fiscal Officer’s Office

Voting by Absentee Ballot or in person at the polls on Election Day

Whether you prefer to vote in person on Election Day or by Absentee Ballot ahead of time, it’s important to be away of changes to Ohio’s voting laws in 2023. For full details, please see the Secretary of State’s website. Or you can call the Summit County Board of Elections at 330-643-5200 with questions about registering, voting or 2023 changes to voting laws.

Voting resources for those with disabilities

For voters with disabilities, there are a number of voting resources available to assist you, such as:

2023 changes to voting laws

It’s also important to be aware of changes to Ohio’s election laws beginning in 2023. Some of the notable changes include:

  • Voter ID requirements: identification such as a valid Ohio driver’s license, valid state ID card (Need a free Ohio ID card? Click here to get details or call your local BMV), a valid US passport (new for 2023), or a Military photo ID is required for voting on Election Day at the polls (see full identification requirements on the Secretary of State’s website). *Birth certificates, insurance cards, bills statements social security cards or non-Ohio driver’s licenses will not be accepted.
  • One drop box per county at the board of elections office for absentee ballots: If voting by absentee ballot, you can return your ballot by mail or in person to the Summit County Board of Elections, Absentee Department located at 470 Grant Street, Akron Ohio 44311 (Please see the Summit County BOE website for absentee voting guidelines.)
  • Curbside voting is prohibited, unless someone has a disability and is unable to enter their polling place. (see disability resources above)
  • Vote by mail: HB458 eliminates the option to provide the following as a valid form of ID to Vote-by-Mail using a current utility bill, bank statement, government check; paycheck, other government document, and concealed carry permit. Additionally, The deadline to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot has changed. The deadline is now close of business on the 7th day before Election Day (Tuesday before). (See additional details of Vote by Mail changes)

Other helpful links and voting resources

Leave a Reply

  • Sign Up for our eNewsletter informDD

    Get all the latest news and information delivered right to your inbox! Just down to the blue banner at the bottom of the page and enter your email address. It’s that easy!

© Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board