When is Election Day?

Election Day is Today, Tuesday, November 5. Polls will are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Ohio. If you’re in line by 7:30 p.m., you’ll still be able to vote, even if there’s a wait, so don’t get out of line!

Need a ride to the polls?

If transportation is a barrier, you’re in luck—there are free and discounted options to help get you to your polling place.

COTA: Central Ohioans can ride any COTA Transit vehicle at no cost on Election Day. This includes COTA’s fixed-route system, COTA Mainstream, Mainstream On-Demand, and COTA Plus. Need help planning your route? Call COTA Customer Care at 614-228-1776 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Lyft: Offering 50% off (up to $10) on rideshares, bikeshares, and scooters. Just use the code VOTE24 on or before Nov. 5. The discount is valid from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. in every time zone.

Uber: Also offering 50% off (up to $10) when you use the app’s “Go Vote” tile to book a ride.

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Where do I go to vote?

Don’t know your polling location? No worries! You can find it (along with a preview of your ballot) at the Ohio Secretary of State’s website: Find Your Polling Location.

What ID do I need to vote?

Ohio has specific ID requirements, so double-check your wallet before heading out:

Accepted forms of photo ID:

• Ohio driver’s license
• State of Ohio ID card
• Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. military ID, Ohio National Guard ID, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID

Remember, all IDs must have an expiration date that has not passed.

NOT accepted:

• Out-of-state driver’s licenses
• Social Security card
• Birth certificate
• Utility bills, bank statements, paychecks, or any government document without a photo

What if I forget my ID?

If you forget your ID, you can still vote using a provisional ballot. After Election Day, you’ll have four days to bring a valid ID to your county board of elections for your ballot to count.

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Additional resources

League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus: Check your registration, look up polling places, and find information on candidates and issues in your area. Visit: LWV Metropolitan Columbus

Sample Ballots: If you’re registered in Franklin County, view sample ballots and other voting info: Franklin County Sample Ballots

List of Candidates: See the full list of candidates for National, District, and Countywide offices with contact details: Franklin County Candidates

Let’s make this Election Day count!

The post Columbus Voter’s Guide: FAQs, Free Rides, And What To Bring To The Polls appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

As of Sunday evening, which was the final day for early voting, over 2.4 million Ohio voters have already cast their ballots, whether by voting in person or sending in their ballots by mail. Here in Franklin County, nearly 237,000 residents have voted so far, with about half of those (122,514) choosing to vote in person at the Franklin County Board of Elections on Morse Road.

This is a record-breaking number of early voting participants, eclipsing the in-person early voting record that was set back in 2020 with around 117,000 ballots.

On Sunday afternoon, thousands of people lined up around the Board of Elections building, ready to cast their votes. The line stretched around the building and the turnout was so great that polls were still open more than 90 minutes after their 5 p.m. closing time.

In Ohio’s statewide early voting data, some trends are emerging that could hint at what’s to come.

A big chunk of voters, about 48%, are those registered as unaffiliated, meaning they didn’t participate in recent party primaries. Republicans are turning out in higher numbers than Democrats, making up roughly 59.6% of Ohio’s early vote compared to 40.4% for Democrats. This shift in early voting trends marks a reversal from the 2020 election when Democrats led the early voting surge.

But in Franklin County, along with other large, traditionally Democratic counties like Cuyahoga, Hamilton, and Summit, Democrats are holding a lead over Republicans.

Even in swing counties that leaned red in 2020, like Mahoning and Trumbull, Democratic voters have shown up early, indicating that urban and suburban areas are feeling energized ahead of this year’s election. For Republicans, turnout in rural, conservative counties has stayed strong, balancing the impact of urban Democratic hubs.

If you want to keep an eye on early voting data yourself, you can do so over through the Ohio Absentee and Early Voting Data Dashboard.

Early in-person voting has now ended across the state.

You can still submit your mail-in ballot by either mailing it or returning it to an approved drop-box. If you’re mailing it, you need to do it no later than Monday, November 5. It must be postmarked no later than the day before Election Day and received by your county board of elections no later than four days after the election.

If you are returning your absentee ballot in person to your board of elections, you must do so by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Only you, your spouse, child, or a near relative may deliver your ballot to the board of elections for you.

Get out there, Columbus—every vote counts.

The post Early Voting Set New Records In Franklin County appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

However, I’ll always remember living on the west side during the 2004 election and having to wait over two hours in line. A line that was so long, some of it involved standing outside. In the rain.

Did I see people get fed up with the rain and the wait and leave the line?

Reader, it will probably not surprise you to learn that I did. Later, it was revealed many Ohio precincts were deliberately starved of voting machines, causing those long lines.

In 2024, shenanigans over who is encouraged or discouraged to vote have only gotten worse. Voter suppression is in the news again all over America, including in Ohio, where our state leadership has consistently purged voter rolls for years.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013, and although Vice President Harris has made a new Voting Rights Act an important part of her platform, voter suppression will be an active tactic for the 2024 General Election. One way to combat those efforts is by voting early, which:

• Relieves congestion on election day
• Banks your vote early, and eliminates any possibility of something forcing you to miss voting. You might never skip a voting opportunity, but nothing is guaranteed. If, say, appendicitis was to strike you down on November 5th, well, you’d be glad you already voted, yeah?

There’s some mystery to early voting for people who have never tried it, so I decided to check it out a couple of elections ago.

The process was easy breezy, interesting, and I found it to be sort of mentally relieving to have my vote out of the way early. In fact, over the years I’ve found it particularly pays off every time I read distressing political news.

When you pull up to the location on Morse Road, there’s kind of a carnival atmosphere, with loads of candidate signs and people offering voting guides.

Nobody is pushy though, and it’s easy to park and find your way.

Once you enter, it’s very quick and simple. You fill out a small card with your name and address. Technically you are voting absentee, so this is your absentee “application”, but it mostly serves as a precinct finder for the person who will be helping you.

Once you turn in your card, a person will walk you to your touchscreen, you’ll do your thing, finish up, and next … sticker and selfie station:

The very best part of voting early on Morse Road? The location.

Ok, I’m sure it’s probably not as close to your house as your normal precinct, but is your normal precinct one mile from the best grocery store in Columbus?

So think about it. Knock voting off the to do list early and then go spend some time wandering around a grocery store so good it’s received national attention. Take a friend and make a whole outing of it.

Good luck. We’re all counting on you.

Franklin County early voting runs:

• October 8-18, weekdays only, 8AM – 5PM
• October 21-25, 8AM – 6PM
• October 26, 8 AM – 4 PM
• October 27, 1-5 PM
• October 28, 7:30 AM- 7:30 PM
• October 29, 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
• October 30-November 1, 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
• November 2, 8 AM – 4 PM
• November 3, 1 PM – 5 PM

The post How to Ace Early Voting in Franklin County This Election appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

At a rally in Uniondale, New York, Trump said, “I’m going to Springfield, and I’m going to Aurora,” referencing both the Ohio city and Aurora, Colorado, another town targeted by his conspiracy theories.

Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, has joined in spreading the false rumors, despite repeated debunking from Springfield officials. Social media has been ablaze with these lies, causing real-world harm.

Bomb threats have surged in Springfield—33 so far, forcing building and school closures and canceling community events. According to Governor Mike DeWine, this stretches the city’s resources thin. DeWine also noted that some of these threats were traced back to “one particular country,” though he declined to name it.

Mayor Rob Rue, a Republican, is pleading with Trump to rethink his visit, which could place even more strain on local law enforcement already working overtime to address the wave of hoax threats. “A visit from the former president would be an extreme strain on our resources,” Rue said. “So it’d be fine with me if they decided not to make that visit.”

At a recent debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump took his falsehoods to a new level, claiming, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs… the pets of the people that live there.”

These outrageous statements, repeated at rallies, have left Springfield’s Haitian community in fear for their lives. The president of the Haitian Community Support Center told NBC News that the conspiracy theories have made many in the community feel unsafe.

While Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric grabs headlines, the facts tell a different story.

Springfield’s Haitian population, mostly legal migrants, has been welcomed by the city to fill a vital labor shortage. Officials have repeatedly stated there are “no credible reports” to support any claims of migrants eating pets. Yet, the falsehoods persist, and the harm they cause is all too real.

As Trump’s visit looms, Springfield officials and residents are left bracing for what could come next. Will the chaos continue, or will the calls for peace finally be heard? Only time will tell.

The post Springfield Is Bracing for Trump’s Visit—Here’s Why Officials Are Begging Him to Stay Away appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Despite the amendment enshrining reproductive rights into the state constitution, many existing anti-abortion laws remain in effect. Jaime Miracle, Deputy Director of Abortion Forward, emphasized the importance of electing justices who will uphold the amendment to Ohio Capital Journal, saying “To make the reproductive freedom amendment a reality in our state, we need to have judges who will enforce it, not ignore it.”

Currently, Republicans hold a 4-3 majority on the Ohio Supreme Court.

This year’s election sees several key races: incumbent Democratic Justice Michael P. Donnelly faces Republican challenger Judge Megan Shanahan, and incumbent Democratic Justice Melody Stewart is up against incumbent Republican Justice Joseph Deters, who chose to run against Stewart rather than seeking re-election for his current seat. Additionally, Democratic candidate Lisa Forbes and Republican Dan Hawkins are battling for Deters’ open seat.

The stakes are high for both sides. Ohio Right to Life has endorsed the Republican candidates — Shanahan, Deters, and Hawkins — highlighting the need for a “strong and decisive judicial branch” to continue advancing the pro-life movement. Meanwhile, Abortion Forward endorsed the Democratic candidates — Stewart, Donnelly, and Forbes — focusing on ensuring that the reproductive freedom amendment is fully enforced.

Ohio has passed over 30 abortion-related restrictions since 2011.

Two avenues exist to undo these laws: legislative repeal or court rulings that declare them unconstitutional. Miracle noted that due to the current legislature, court rulings are the only viable path for reversing harmful restrictions, making the Supreme Court election crucial for reproductive rights.

The Ohio Supreme Court will ultimately decide whether the reproductive freedom amendment will be enforced or if abortion restrictions will remain in place. This election is not only vital for Ohioans but also for neighboring states like Indiana and Kentucky, which have near-total abortion bans.

Featured image: The Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center — home to the Supreme Court of Ohio, with the Huntington Center and the Verne Riffe State Office Building visible in the background. This historic building, located at 65 S. Front St. in Columbus, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Photo by Sixflashphoto / CC BY-SA 4.0)

The post Ohio’s Supreme Court Could Reshape Abortion Laws — And This Election Is the Key appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

As part of the ArtsVote Ohio initiative, Fairey is teaming up with the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC), Creative Ohio, and ArtWorks in Cincinnati to create a series of “Get Out the Vote” murals aimed at inspiring civic engagement.

This fall, Columbus will see 20 temporary wheatpaste murals pop up across downtown, the Columbus College of Art & Design campus, and the Short North Arts District on September 19. The murals will carry a nonpartisan message encouraging people to vote. A full map of mural locations will be available that same day, so you can explore and experience these works of art firsthand.

Shepard Fairey is no stranger to using his art to inspire change.

“It’s an important moment in American politics, and it’s a moment to bring a get-out-the-vote message to the streets,” Fairey said. “I’m excited to be in Ohio right now to not only get art out there but also to be part of a movement to recognize the ideals of democracy. I believe that democracy functions most ideally when as many as possible participate.”

Fairey’s famous Obama “Hope” poster solidified his status as a pioneer of public art, and now, Ohioans have a chance to see his work up close. In addition to the Columbus installations, a permanent large-scale mural will be unveiled in Cincinnati, further emphasizing the importance of voting across the state.

“This collaboration is all about using public art to inspire action,” said Jami Goldstein, vice president of marketing, communications, and events for GCAC. “Through this project, we hope to engage Ohioans in the democratic process and empower people in the creative sector to use their voices to encourage voting.”

READ MORE: The Complete Guide On How To Vote Absentee In Ohio

The reach of the murals won’t stop here in Columbus.

Orange Barrel Media will showcase Fairey’s murals, along with the work of 12 Ohio-based artists, on digital screens throughout the state. The effort doesn’t stop there. Voter registration resources will be available, with the League of Women Voters setting up shop in the Short North on the morning of September 19.

With Shepard Fairey leading the charge, Ohio is in for a visual and political treat this fall. Get ready to hit the streets, check out some inspiring art, and most importantly, make sure your voice is heard this election season.

You must be registered by October 7, 2024 in order to vote in the General Election. For more info about voter registration, please click here.

The post Street Art Meets Democracy: Shepard Fairey’s Mural Takeover Is Coming To Columbus appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

The image, originally taken in Columbus, has been weaponized by several prominent right-wing figures, including GOP vice presidential candidate JD Vance, Senator Ted Cruz, and X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk, as so-called evidence that Haitian immigrants are responsible for killing and eating pets and wildlife in Springfield.

The lies were even repeated last night by former President Trump during the presidential debate.

However, both city officials and the photographer behind the photo have stepped forward to set the record straight.

The City of Springfield issued a statement denying any credible reports of such incidents, and the local police echoed this, confirming they had received no reports of pets being stolen or eaten. The City’s statement followed after multiple accounts on X began circulating the photo, citing it as evidence of widespread harm to local animals by the Haitian immigrant community. The allegations have contributed to a growing narrative pushed by right-wing figures, despite the lack of any factual basis.

The man who took the viral photo has come forward, clarifying that it was captured in Columbus, not Springfield, and that the individual holding the goose was not Haitian.

He explained that he took the picture on July 28 because it was an unusual sight—nothing more. “I was driving down Cleveland Avenue and saw a guy carrying a dead goose. It was odd, so I snapped a photo,” he told NBC4, requesting to remain anonymous for safety reasons. “I didn’t expect it to blow up like this, and I certainly didn’t intend for it to be used against any group of people.”

The photo was originally shared on Reddit, where it gained traction on the Columbus subreddit before it was picked up by X accounts. From there, the misinformation machine spun into motion. The photographer expressed regret, saying, “I hate that the picture I took is being used to spread lies. It was just something weird I saw, not a political statement.”

Things you see while driving in CBUS
byu/isitmeyourelooking4x inColumbus

Prominent figures like Vance have continued to reference the image in online discussions, linking it to broader accusations about immigrants in Springfield.

Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio.

Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country. Where is our border czar? pic.twitter.com/rf0EDIeI5i

— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 9, 2024

Vance went so far as to claim that local residents had reported missing pets, although the city and local law enforcement confirmed that no such reports have been made. Vance also tied the migrant population to increased pressure on local health systems and even referenced a school bus crash in 2023, implying that Springfield is struggling under the weight of its immigrant population.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue responded to these claims, noting that the city’s Haitian immigrant population, which is here legally under temporary protected status, has faced a barrage of harmful and false rumors. “We’re letting these rumors and this national rhetoric come into our community and divide us,” Rue said at a recent press conference. He emphasized that no evidence supports the allegations and urged residents to seek the truth rather than getting swept up in fearmongering.

The incident highlights how misinformation can quickly spiral out of control, especially when amplified by public figures with large followings. What began as a curious snapshot in Columbus has now become a symbol of the dangerous impact of online rumors and disinformation campaigns. For the photographer, what was intended as an innocent post has turned into a nightmare as his image has been twisted into a tool of division and deceit.

If you’d like to learn more about the legal Haitian immigrants living in Springfield, the city of Springfield has an FAQ site dedicated to answering questions, which you can view at springfieldohio.gov/immigration-faqs.

Featured image Credit: J.D. Vance speaking with attendees at the 2021 Southwest Regional Conference hosted by Turning Point USA at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Gage Skidmore, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic. View License.

The post The Truth Behind That Columbus Goose Photo That’s Fueling Right-Wing Misinformation appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

“There’s this awesome connection between creativity and democracy,” said Tom Katzenmeyer, president and CEO of GCAC. “Artists are natural advocates—they use their platforms to push for social and political change. At AVO, we want Ohio’s creative sector to fully recognize the power they hold, get out there and vote, and use their voices to help shape the future of our state.”

Ohio’s Arts Community is No Joke

If you didn’t know already, Ohio’s arts and culture scene is a big deal. We’re talking a $25 billion industry that gave jobs to over 157,000 people in 2022 alone. That’s a whole lot of creative energy flowing through Ohio. The arts actually make up over three percent of Ohio’s gross domestic product (GDP), which is more than utilities, education, or even agriculture. Yeah, the arts are serious business here!

Beyond the numbers, the arts bring life and energy to Ohio’s communities, and it’s time for artists to realize just how much power they have—especially when it comes to voting. As Sarah Sisser, executive director and CEO of CreativeOhio, puts it, “ArtsVote Ohio is all about reminding Ohio’s creatives that they have strength in numbers. Artists aren’t just creators—they’re business owners, employers, and community leaders. And voting decisions can have a huge impact on arts funding and the vitality of our neighborhoods.”

Turning Art into Action

So far, AVO has teamed up with 28 artists from 10 cities across Ohio, creating beautiful, shareable, nonpartisan graphics that anyone can download and use to help spread the word. These aren’t just pretty pictures either—they’re designed to motivate people to check their voter registration, register to vote, and make sure their friends do the same. You can even share the artwork using #ArtsVoteOhio, and don’t forget to credit the artist!

“We’ve been able to connect with local artists to create something visually impactful that really speaks to the spirit of Ohio’s creative community,” explained Jami Goldstein, vice president of marketing at GCAC. “It’s been amazing to see how the campaign has evolved and how much more we’re engaging with people.”

Get the Tools to Make a Difference

Alongside the cool artwork, AVO offers a toolkit full of resources for individuals and organizations looking to get involved. Whether you’re an artist or just someone who loves the arts, this toolkit has everything you need to check your voter registration, encourage others to vote, and make sure your voice is heard.

With elections coming up, now’s the time for Ohio’s creatives to step up. Want to learn more, get involved, or download some of the amazing artwork? Head over to ArtsVoteOhio.org and be part of the movement. Don’t forget to follow the campaign on social media and use the hashtag #ArtsVoteOhio to keep the momentum going.

Ohio’s artists already know how to make an impact—now it’s time to do it at the polls.

The post Ohio’s Arts Scene is Massive, and Now It’s Flexing Its Voting Power appeared first on Columbus Navigator.