Ohio 2020 Presidential Primary Voter Guide

UPDATE: Ohio's polls were ordered closed on Tuesday, March 17. Officials are trying to move the Ohio primary election to June 2 because of the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19. More on that development on Patch.

CLEVELAND — On Tuesday, March 17, voters across Ohio will head to the polls to vote in the Democratic and Republican presidential primaries. The keynote competition is between Democratic candidates Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden, who are looking to secure the Buckeye State's 136 delegates.

Tuesday's primary election comes during a tense time in Ohio. The spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, has prompted the closing of schools, restaurants and non-essential government buildings throughout the state.

Here's everything voters will need to know for Tuesday's primary.

What's on the Ballot

Ohio voters will see a lot of names listed under the Democratic nominees for president, but only a few candidates are still in the race: Sanders, Biden and Tulsi Gabbard. Biden currently leads the delegate count, with Sanders behind him and Gabbard a very distant third.

Biden seized momentum in the campaign after Super Tuesday. He is now looking to block any path back into the race for Sanders, and that will mean winning Ohio. Sanders is looking to rejuvenate his campaign and climb back into contender status.

Both Sanders and Biden have had their plans to stump in Ohio blocked by COVID-19. The two candidates had to cancel rallies in Cleveland last week after the state declared a state of emergency.

Voters will also decide the fates of school levies and tax issues and choose primary winners for a variety of state races. To see what's on your ballot, visit the secretary of state's website.

How Will COVID-19 Impact the Election

Due to fears of the new coronavirus, officials moved approximately 125 voting locations to ensure the safety of Ohioans during the March 17 primary, Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced last week.

The impacted poll locations are all located in nursing homes and senior living homes. LaRose said every affected Ohioan will be notified of their polling location change, by mail and by other means. Updates on where those polling locations will be moved to can also be found on the secretary of state's website.

Hand sanitizer will be available at all polling locations. Additionally, election volunteers have been instructed to clean off voting booths and machines frequently throughout the day.

How to Vote

Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. throughout Ohio. When voting at a polling location, Ohioans must have proof of identity. For most residents, that will mean their driver's license, but Ohio also accepts the following forms of ID: military identification, state ID card, U.S. passport, a copy of a current utility bill, a copy of a current bank statement, a copy of a current paycheck (with a voter's name on it) or a copy of a current government document.

Anyone voting absentee must have their ballot submitted to their county board of elections before the polls close on Tuesday.

Not sure where to vote? Find your polling location on the secretary of state's website.

Forecast

There's a chance of rain and snow throughout Ohio on Tuesday, the National Weather Service said. Temperatures will peak around 50 degrees and dip to a low of 32 degrees.