Election Explained: 49 days from the November election
In today's Election Explained, learn more about National Voter Registration Day and how you can register to vote.
With just 50 days to go until the Nov. 5 election, WTOL 11 anchor Caylee Kirby will spend a few minutes each day covering topics and answering questions about this year’s election.
WTOL 11: Election Explained will cover local, state, and federal election topics, as well as general election-related questions, all to help you feel prepared before heading to cast your ballot.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will cover more specifics about some of these races. We will also go over important deadlines and details about other issues you might see on your ballot.
Do you have something you want us to look into about the election? Let us know by sending an email to news@wtol.com or texting the word QUESTION to 419-248-1100.
Chapter 1 Voter Registration
As we count down the days to the election, we’re here to cover important election topics and answer your questions. Today, which is National Voter Registration Day, we are looking at how to register to vote.
National Voter Registration Day is a non-partisan day dedicated to celebrating our democracy. Partners across the country are holding events to help people register to vote, including the Toledo Lucas County Public Library system and the Frederick Douglass Center.
Even after today, you can still register to vote until Oct. 7 in Ohio and Oct. 21 in Michigan. You can register online, in person or by mail.
You can register to vote online at the Ohio Secretary of State's Office website HERE.
To register online, you need to have and submit these items:
- Ohio driver’s license or Ohio identification card number
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
If you are missing any of those items, you will need to fill out a paper form, sign and send it to your county board of elections. That form is also available on the Ohio Secretary of State's website at this link. If you do not have access to a computer or printer, most public libraries will be able to assist you.
If you are an Ohio Safe at Home participant, you should contact the Safe at Home office before continuing online registration.
In Michigan, voters can take advantage of online voter registration. You also can register by mail to vote in Michigan by printing a voter registration form, filling it out and mailing it to your local clerk. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer. You can register to vote online and by mail up to 15d ays prior to Election Day. Within two weeks of Election Day, you must register to vote in person at your local clerk's office.
How to Register to Vote in Ohio
In Ohio, you can register to vote online, in person, or by mail. Here are the steps:
- Online: Visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website to register online.
- In Person: You can register at the office of the Secretary of State, any county board of elections, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, public libraries, high schools, vocational schools, and other designated agencies.
- By Mail: Download the voter registration form from the Ohio Secretary of State’s website, fill it out, and mail it to your county board of elections or the Secretary of State’s office.
How to Vote in Michigan
In Michigan, you have several options to register to vote:
- Register to Vote: You can register online, by mail, or in person. Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center for more details.
- Early Voting: Michigan offers early voting. You can vote in person at your local clerk’s office or request an absentee ballot.
- Absentee Voting: All registered voters can request an absentee ballot without needing a reason. You can apply for an absentee ballot online, by mail, or in person at your local clerk’s office.
- Election Day Voting: You can vote in person at your designated polling place on Election Day. Find your polling place on the Michigan Voter Information Center.
Chapter 2 General Election Breakdown
We start our countdown with a brief look at the major ticket items that you will see on your ballot. This will focus on Ohio and Michigan voters.
Presidential Race
- Republican former President Donald Trump is facing off against current Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who officially became the Democratic nominee in August after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
- Ohio Sen. JD Vance is Trump’s running mate for vice president.
- Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.
RELATED: 5 things to know about the apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump at one of his golf courses
Ohio Elections
- U.S. Senate: Republican businessman Bernie Moreno is facing incumbent Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown.
- House of Representatives:
- District 9: Current Republican Ohio state Rep. Derek Merrin is hoping to unseat longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur.
- District 5: Democrat Keith Mundy is facing incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Bob Latta.
Michigan Elections
- U.S. Senate: There’s an open Senate seat after Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow did not run for re-election. Republican Mike Rogers, former U.S. Representative for Michigan's 8th District, is running against Democratic U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan's 7th District.
- House of Representatives:
- Southeast Michigan: Incumbent Republican Rep. Tim Walberg, Democrat Libbi Urban and Green Party candidate James Bronke are on the ballot.
Send your election questions
Over the next couple of weeks, we will cover more specifics about some of these races. We will also go over important deadlines and details about other issues you might see on your ballot.
Do you have something you want us to look into about the election? Let us know by sending an email to news@wtol.com or texting the word QUESTION to 419-248-1100.