The Board wants to thank the Cuyahoga County Public Library system for conducting Vote by Mail Week.
The public was invited to save a stamp during Vote by Mail Week for the May 8, 2018 Primary Election. County residents were able to save a stamp by dropping off their completed vote by mail applications at any Cuyahoga County Public Library branch between Sunday, April 8th and Saturday, April 14th.
The joint effort between the library system and the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections was a great success. Over 300 people dropped off ballot applications at 27 library branches. This saved voters the price of a stamp and provided the convenience of applications being available at the libraries.
Voters who missed Vote by Mail Week but would still like to vote by mail have until noon on May 5th to request their ballots. To generate your personalized application, click here then print, sign and return to the Board of Elections via mail or in person drop off. You may also call 216-443-VOTE to request that an application be mailed to you.
Author: Mike West, Media and Voter Education Specialist, Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
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.
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.
We’ve asked some of our long-time poll workers to share their stories as part of our poll worker spotlight series. Traci Schmidt has worked the polls for eight elections and continues to come back to fulfill her civic duty and help her neighbors. Continue reading to learn more about her experience.
The following responses have been paraphrased.
How long have you been serving as a poll worker? Four years (eight elections)
What brings you back each year? I am fulfilling my civic duty.
What are some of your most memorable moments as an Election Official? I have had the pleasure to work with some very interesting and accomplished people over the years. Three of my children have also been poll workers, including two that went through the Parma High School student poll worker program.
What is your favorite part about being an Election Official? I enjoy working the polling location that I vote in. It provided a sense of community by meeting and serving my neighbors.
Describe the energy at polling locations on Election Day. The amount of energy really depends upon the type of election; Primary vs. General Election or Presidential Election. I think poll workers do a great job trying to make Election Day a positive experience for all voters.
Why is being an Election Official important to you? When I first became a poll worker, it was important for me to see the electoral process from the inside. I really value all the security measures in place to ensure our elections are fair.
Did you feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day? Can you describe this? I used to like balancing the ballots, stubs and poll books, and felt a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day when everything balanced. We don’t have to do this anymore, though. I also enjoyed working as a Voting Location Deputy (VLD) and felt a sense of accomplishment after a successful Election Day.
What is it like to know you made a difference in our electoral process? I am proud to serve is this small way.
Why, in your opinion, should others become Election Officials? I think working an election can really increase your confidence in our electoral process.
Learn More
We are now accepting applications for poll workers for the May 8 Primary Election. To be considered for this honorable service, please apply online or call 216-443-3277 for more information.
To view all of the stories in our poll worker spotlight series, click here.
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.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is proud to announce Vote by Mail Week, April 8-14, 2018, in partnership with Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL).
County residents can save a stamp by dropping off their completed vote-by-mail applications at any CCPL branch from Sunday, April 8 through Saturday, April 14 during regular library hours. For a complete listing of CCPL locations, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org/branches.
To vote by mail, voters must obtain, complete and mail their vote-by-mail ballot applications to the Board of Elections. Vote by Mail Week will save voters several steps in the process and seeks to increase voter turnout for the May 8 Primary Election.
Vote-by-mail applications are available at all CCPL branches. Voters may also print out or request vote-by-mail applications on the Board of Elections website: www.443VOTE.com.
CCPL can only accept vote-by-mail applications during Vote by Mail Week. Absentee ballots will not be accepted and must be mailed by the voter through the United States Postal Service or dropped off in person by the voter or a family member at the Board of Elections located at 2925 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.
About Cuyahoga County Public Library
The Cuyahoga County Public Library is committed to their mission of being at the center of community life by creating an environment where reading, lifelong learning and civic engagement thrive and their vision to be the most convenient library system in the country. For more information, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org.
We’ve asked some of our long-time poll workers to share their stories as part of our poll worker spotlight series. Mary Dubber has been working the polls for nearly all of her adult life. She finds great fulfillment in helping her neighbors take part in voting. Continue reading to learn more about her experience and see what it’s like to work the polls.
The following responses have been paraphrased.
How long have you been serving as a poll worker? I started working the polls when I was 20 years old, more than 45 years ago.
What brings you back each year? There are many reasons I come back for each election. I like that I am assigned to a location close to home and I have made many friendships. I also enjoy the voting education I have received and am interested in the policies involved with elections and voting.
What are some of your most memorable moments as an Election Official? Years ago our voting location was featured in “The Plain Dealer” which was exciting. I also remember when the mayor of Lakewood visited us on Election Day. A few other memories include seeing coworkers again, the ever-changing voter turnout and a few stormy wintery days.
What is your favorite part about being an Election Official? I appreciate having great coworkers that help one another throughout the day. I enjoy watching the returns. Of course, the pay, too.
Describe the energy at polling locations on Election Day. Mornings can be a little hard, but our wonderful co-manager keeps it all together with energy and interest. He helps to keep us going all day long.
Why is being an Election Official important to you? Being an Election Official is important to me because I am able to fulfill a civic duty. It is important to me that I am part of the process.
Did you feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day? Can you describe this? Yes! After all of the balancing is done I feel a sense of pride and fulfillment.
What is it like to know you made a difference in our electoral process? It is a good feeling. We all hope we did a decent job helping voters and fulfilling our duties.
Why, in your opinion, should others become Election Officials? Being an Election Official gives you an opportunity to work with your neighbors for the good of our country and to take an interest in who should be in charge of our political affairs.
Please share any thoughts you have about being an Election Official. When I started to work the polls, it was required for someone to sponsor you. Back then, and still now, there was a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Of course, the stipend is always appreciated!
Learn More
We are now accepting applications for poll workers for the May 8 Primary Election. To be considered for this honorable service, please apply online or call 216-443-3277 for more information.
To view all of the stories in our poll worker spotlight series, click here.
The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections is partnering with the Cleveland Clergy Coalition and First Energy to host an event series, “A Community Conversation,” to address the subject of community involvement and low voter turnout on the east side of Cleveland.
The first event will take place this Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Congregational Church. Harry Boomer of Cleveland 19 News will moderate this important discussion and is expected to touch on topics such as gun violence, voter education, job opportunities, and more. The event will be similar to a town hall format, giving attendees the opportunity to collaborate with each other and voice their concerns, ideas, and suggestions for improving their community.
The Board of Elections will be on site to provide non-partisan voter information and answer questions about voting and the upcoming Primary Election. Representatives will be able to assist with voter registration, voting by mail, and provide other relevant information to participants.
First Energy will also be on site to accept applications for an energy audit. Some participants may be eligible to receive free appliances for their home.
The event series is free to attend and refreshments will be provided. Two additional events are planned for later this spring, however, dates have yet to be finalized. St. John Methodist Church is pleased to host one of the two upcoming events.
To learn more, contact Dalorean White, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Board of Elections at dwhite1@cuyahogacounty.us or 216-443-6681.
First Event:
Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Mt. Zion Congregational Church
10723 Magnolia Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 (Map)
Free to attend
We’ve asked some of our long-time poll workers to share their stories as part of our poll worker spotlight series. Throughout the years, Alicia Alto has made great memories serving her community as a poll worker, and encourages everyone who is able to try it out. Continue reading to learn more about her experience and see what it’s like to work the polls.
Alicia Alto, Five-Year Poll Worker
How long have you been serving as a poll worker? Since 2013.
What brings you back each year? The feeling and knowledge that my participation in election facilitation is an important role in our society’s success.
What are some of your most memorable moments as an Election Official? As a Voting Location Manager, I have great memories of meeting new precinct election officials (PEOs) who are working for the first time – and then seeing them return at the next election. I also love hearing from other PEOs who have been working for longer than I have even been able to vote. A lot of folks take great pride in their role in election facilitation.
What is your favorite part about being an Election Official? My favorite part of being an Election Official is meeting like-minded individuals who also feel a sense of responsibility to do this civic duty. There is great opportunity to learn from their experiences, both in regards to working an election and in regards to life outside of the election.
I also love meeting and seeing regular/return voters. They care so much about the community. It’s very encouraging.
Describe the energy at polling locations on Election Day. There are many different vibes throughout the day. In the morning, there is a sense of urgency to get the location operational for voters.
During the “rushes” where many voters show up at one time, there is a very focused atmosphere. Everyone is ready and willing to help voters exercise their right to vote.
During the lulls in voter activity, there is a lot of friendly conversation and joking between PEOs. It keeps the day entertaining.
At the end of the day, there is a great sense of accomplishment – We made it through the election! It’s followed by a surge in energy while everyone works together to get the polls closed up so that we can get home.
Why is being an Election Official important to you? It is very important to me that I do what I can to make a difference. I do volunteer and donate when I am able, but working the elections is a great way to serve my community in a way that addresses their fundamental right to speak their mind through the voting process.
Did you feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day? Can you describe this? Yes. The Election Day is a very long but very important day. Sometimes the day throws you a curve ball and sometimes everything runs more smoothly than you could ever imagine – but either way, it’s a great feeling to know that you’ve been a huge part of the voting process for folks who care to speak their mind and rock their vote in an attempt to affect change in our society. The right to vote is so important and I enjoy feeling like I’ve helped others to exercise that right.
What is it like to know you made a difference in our electoral process? It’s a great feeling. I think that a lot of Americans take their right to vote for granted, but that doesn’t render it any less important. The more that I am involved and the more that I encourage others to be involved, the greater the difference I am making.
Why, in your opinion, should others become Election Officials? It is a new experience with great opportunity – opportunity to meet others, opportunity to make a difference, opportunity to make money, opportunity for a change of pace. I think everyone should work at least one election. I think many would even return!
Learn More
We are now accepting applications for poll workers for the May 8 Primary Election. To be considered for this honorable service, please apply online or call 216-443-3277 for more information.
To view all of the stories in our poll worker spotlight series, click here.
Did you know that we hire more than 4,000 poll workers for every election?
Perhaps you have come to recognize some of the friendly faces at your polling location. People who come back election after election because of the relationships they’ve made and the pride they have for serving their communities.
While we at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections are fortunate to have a core workforce of returning poll workers, we still have a large quota to meet for each election and are always in need of new faces to help staff polling locations.
Being a poll worker can be a rewarding experience. We have asked some of our most loyal workers to share what helping out with elections means to them. We will be featuring stories from several poll workers over the coming weeks.
Continue reading for our first poll worker spotlight.
Poll Worker Spotlight: John Derwis
How long have you been serving as a poll worker? Six years.
What brings you back each year? A sense of giving back to the community.
John Derwis, Six-year poll worker for the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections
What are some of your most memorable moments as an Election Official? I enjoy seeing people who vote because they are concerned about their community and country.
What is your favorite part about being an Election Official? The camaraderie among the workers whether Democrat, Republican or Independent.
Describe the energy at polling locations on Election Day. Everyone seems to be working with peak awareness that they are serving our country in a very important way.
Why is being an Election Official important to you? Rather than just taking up space in this country, I am serving—as I did in the Army through the Vietnam War—with a very important purpose of maintaining a free country.
Did you feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day? Can you describe this? I felt that I did my small part in protecting our rights as citizens of the United States of America. By the end of the day, I was exhausted, but had a feeling of accomplishment and gratification.
What is it like to know you made a difference in our electoral process? It is very gratifying to know I made a difference in the electoral process.
Why, in your opinion, should others become Election Officials? If you have some sense of duty and understanding of how our country operates, I would recommend you working the polls.
Please share any thoughts you have about being an Election Official. Many thanks to our forefathers who established our system of government.
We thank John for his service as a poll worker and for participating in our spotlight series. If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming a poll worker, learn more by clicking here.
To view all of the stories in our poll worker spotlight series, click here.