On Aug. 8, Ohioans will vote in a rare statewide summer election on a matter with far-reaching consequences. Issue 1 is a ballot initiative that, if passed, would make it harder for citizens to change the state constitution. This article explains the substance, timing and implications of Issue 1.

The following is a guide to casting your vote in Cuyahoga County.

Can I still register to vote in the August special election for Issue 1?

Yes, but time is short! The deadline is July 10.

If you’re not sure if you’re registered to vote, check on the Board of Elections (BOE) web site.

If you need to register or update an existing registration, you can do it on the Secretary of State’s website. You will need to provide:

• Current Ohio driver’s license or Ohio identification card number 

• Name

• Date of birth

• Address

• Last four digits of your Social Security number

You can obtain an Ohio identification card for free from a Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ deputy registrar license agency (locations). This interactive page can help you determine which personal documents you will need to obtain an ID card.

If you can’t get an ID from the BMV in time, you can print and fill out this form and take it to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, 2925 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (Google Maps directions). Cleveland Public Library branches have printers you can use for free with a valid library card.

Am I qualified to vote in this special election?

You are qualified to register to vote in Ohio if you meet all the following requirements:

• You are a citizen of the United States.

• You will be at least 18 years old on the day of the election.

• You have been a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days prior to the election.

• You are not incarcerated for a felony conviction. (If you have a past felony conviction but are not currently incarcerated, you can vote.)

• You have not been declared incompetent for voting purposes by a probate court.

• You have not been convicted of violating election laws.

Can I vote by mail?

Yes, just follow the instructions on this page. The deadline to submit a vote-by-mail application is Aug. 1.

Will I need a photo ID to vote in person?

Yes. These are the options:

• Ohio driver’s license

• State of Ohio ID card

• Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV

• U.S. passport

• U.S. passport card

• U.S. military ID card

• Ohio National Guard ID card

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card

Can I vote in-person before election day?

Yes, beginning July 11 at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, 2925 Euclid Ave., Cleveland (Google Maps directions). You can vote there in person on weekdays and on the weekend before election day at the hours listed here.

How do I find my election day polling location?

Enter your last name and date of birth here.

Where can I get more information?

If you have a question that is not addressed here, call the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections at 216-443-8683 (VOTE) or visit the web site.