Although voting has been underway for weeks now, the polls are closed today in Ohio in order to allow local boards of elections to prepare for Tuesday’s official Election Day. So, if you haven’t yet cast your ballot, your last chance is Tuesday at your community’s polling place. Polls will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Here are some other things you need to know.

If you obtained an absentee ballot, you must return your ballot to the board in person no later than 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

If you are a member of the uniformed services or a voter outside of the United States, ballots must be received by the fourth day after the election. Sign your identification envelope by the close of polls on Election Day or return in person by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

Ohioans casting ballots in person must show a government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms of photo identification include a state of Ohio driver’s license or state ID card, listing either your current or previous address — as long as it’s not expired. (Out-of-state driver’s licenses will NOT be accepted.)

Also accepted will be a military ID card. That includes a U.S. military ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card or a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card. (Veteran ID cards issued by county recorders will not be accepted, and military ID no longer will be accepted when registering to vote.)

A U.S. passport or passport card also will be accepted.

If you don’t drive or you don’t have an Ohio driver’s license, you may get a state-issued photo ID for free at the local Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Plan ahead if you need to go to the BMV to get a photo ID today, before voting on Tuesday.

Also, if you have religious reasons why you object to having your photo taken, an exemption is provided under law, but you’ll need to sign an affidavit and provide your birth date and last four digits of your Social Security number on a special form.

Other than for religious objections, alternative forms of identification, such as utility bills and bank statements, no longer will be accepted as a valid form of ID.

And after Ohio voters last year voted to ban noncitizens from voting, even at the local level, new Ohio driver’s licenses and ID cards will indicate citizenship status.

There has been much debate over issues and candidates this election. If you haven’t already done so, please take time today to prepare by reviewing the candidates and issues in local races and the ballot language on controversial statewide issues 1 and 2.

In recent weeks, reporters at this newspaper have interviewed, researched and shared information in all or most races. You may find those stories and informational boxes at www.vindy.com.

While we, unfortunately, were unable to endorse in every race, our editorial board did select some of the most hotly contested races or those affecting the most- populous constituencies in which to endorse. In those selected races, we took time to research the candidates’ backgrounds, to review their questionnaires outlining their experience, education and priorities and to meet with candidates in personal interviews. Here is a recap of the candidates and issues in which we offered our opinion.

● Issue 1, statewide constitutional amendment establishing reproductive rights: We did not take a position on this deeply personal issue.

● Issue 2, statewide issue to legalize the possession and use of recreational marijuana: We suggest a no vote.

● Campbell Municipal Court Judge race: We endorse attorney Mark Kolmacic.

● Struthers Municipal Court Judge race: We endorse James Melone over his opponent, who recently was appointed to fill the vacant seat on the bench.

● Austintown Township trustee race: We endorse candidate Eric Vereb over the other three candidates.

● Canfield City Council race: In this race for four seats, we suggest voters cast ballots first for incumbents Bruce Neff and Charles Tieche and for challenger Dennis Wingard. The fourth seat is a tossup between candidates Christine Oliver and Mark Graham.

● Canfield Township trustee race: We endorse former trustee Tony Bettile over the incumbent trustee.

● Liberty Township trustee race: We offered two choices for voters in this crowded race. If you are dissatisfied with current township operations, then Jason Rubin, a former trustee, is the best choice among the challengers. If you are satisfied with the status quo, then incumbent Trustee Devon Stanley should get your vote.

● Niles Mayor race: Incumbent Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz should retain his seat.

Please exercise your constitutional right and civic duty by voting on Tuesday.

editorial@vindy.com