By Randi Simon-Serey

For Miami Valley Today

TROY — Early voting in Ohio for the November general election begins on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Miami County Courthouse. In Ohio, a lot of effort goes into making each election is secure and safe. Whether you decide to vote the full ballot or support only one candidate or issue, every vote matters.

Here are some important details about the upcoming presidential election:

• Miami County poll workers are wanted.

Poll workers are valuable in every election as part of the democratic process. They keep things running smoothly so voters have a good experience.

Poll workers get paid and fed. They are at assigned polling site for a long but interesting day — around 15 hours, with breaks. Being paired with other experienced poll workers allows you to try different jobs and get a behind-the-scenes view of how the election system works.

Training sessions at the Miami County Courthouse last an hour and are offered at different times for convenience. Workers get an easy-to-read booklet along with practice time on the touchscreen poll pad.

Call Janelle Flaharty at 937-440-3905 for more information.

• Who can vote?

To vote on Election Day, you need to be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old and an Ohio resident for at least 30 days. You can’t vote while incarcerated for a felony conviction or if permanently barred for violating election laws.

• Ways to vote:

— Absentee ballot voting: Complete the absentee ballot request form and mail or bring it to the Miami County Board of Elections. Expect a ballot in the mail in a few days. Return it to the Miami County Board of Elections, deliver it to the ballot drop box next to the Miami County Courthouse, or mail it.

— Absentee ballot deadlines: Absentee ballot request forms must be received by Oct. 29. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4 and received no more than four days after the election. Ballots must be dropped-off in person or at the drop box by Nov. 5 before 7:30 p.m.

• Ohio’s drop box laws: A new law now requires only certain individuals can drop off ballots for family members or disabled persons. They’ll need to go inside the board of elections and complete a form.

•Early in-person voting: Early voting in person is taking place at the Miami County Courthouse at 215 W. Main St. in Troy. The closest parking is on Short Street with handicapped parking on Water Street.

• Hours for early in-person absentee voting, according to the Miami County Board of Elections’ website:

— Week one: Tuesday, Oct. 8 – Friday, Oct. 11, is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday.

— Week two: Monday, Oct. 14 – Friday, Oct. 18, is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday.

— Week three: Monday, Oct. 21 – Saturday, Oct. 26, is from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. each weekday, and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.

— Week four: Sunday, Oct. 27 – Sunday, Nov. 3

-Sunday, Oct. 27, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.;

-Monday, Oct. 28, from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.;

-Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.;

-Wednesday, Oct. 30, through Friday, Nov. 1, from 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

-Saturday, Nov. 2, from 1-5 p.m.

-Sunday, Nov. 3, from 1-5 p.m.

-Monday, Nov. 4, CLOSED to get ready for Election Day

• Election day voting: Polls will be open on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bring a current photo ID and double-check to ensure you are going to the right polling location.

• Check out the live-steamed ballot box cam: The public can view a 24/7 live recording of the ballot box since Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 458 into law on Jan. 6, 2023, at https://www.youtube.com/live/8IuO4nlTQQ4

For more information, visit the Miami County Board of Elections’ website at https://www.boe.ohio.gov/miami/ or call the office at 937-440-3900.