Local library branches in Anderson Township, Mariemont and Newtown are accepting voter registration forms and mail-in ballot applications ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election.

The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library (CHPL) announced the services in a Sept. 2 blog post, noting that all 41 of its locations will help residents register, update their information or apply to vote by mail. Rae Vuic, the library's government relations coordinator, wrote that the library provides free, nonpartisan resources to help residents register, request mail-in ballots and access election information.

A free registration event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Downtown Main Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Library staff and volunteers from the Greater Cincinnati Voter Collaborative, a nonpartisan civic group, will be on hand to answer questions and distribute mail-in ballot applications.

Residents who cannot make the Sept. 15 event can visit any CHPL branch, including those serving Anderson Township, Mariemont and Newtown, to pick up or submit forms.

Key deadlines

  • Monday, Oct. 5 — Last day to register to vote or update a registration. Library branches will accept forms until close of business.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 6 — Early voting begins by mail and in person at the Hamilton County Board of Elections, 4700 Smith Road, Cincinnati.
  • Monday, Oct. 26 — Last day the library will accept mail-in ballot applications. The Board of Elections' own deadline is 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 3 — Election Day. Completed mail-in ballots must reach the Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. There is no grace period for late ballots except for military or overseas voters.

The library does not accept ballots.

Ohio law requires a photo ID for in-person voting. Requirements are posted on the Hamilton County Board of Elections website.

What's on the ballot locally

The Hamilton County Board of Elections' 100-day notice lists several races and issues affecting the area. Anderson Township and Newtown precincts fall in Ohio's 1st Congressional District and the 27th State House District. Mariemont precincts fall in the 8th Congressional District.

Two local tax levies are on the ballot: a 3.5-mill, five-year renewal for permanent improvements in the Village of Mariemont and a 5.58-mill, five-year renewal for current expenses in the Village of Terrace Park. Countywide, voters will also weigh in on Ohio Issue 3, a legislatively referred amendment to enshrine current voter ID requirements in the state constitution, and the Hamilton County Children's Services Levy.

The League of Women Voters' Voter Guide will be available at library locations the week of Friday, Oct. 2. A digital version will go live at vote411.org the same week.

"Whether you're voting by mail or in person, we're here to support your journey to the ballot box," Vuic wrote.

Upcoming election dates

  • Tuesday, Sept. 15 — Free voter registration event, Downtown Main Library, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 5 — Voter registration deadline.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 6 — Early voting begins.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 3 — Election Day.

Residents can check their registration status or ask questions by calling the Board of Elections at (513) 946-8500.