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Ohio · How-To Guide

How do I register to vote or check my registration?

County Board of Elections (county level - each of Ohio's 88 counties) / Ohio Secretary of State (state level)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Confirm eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen, Ohio resident for at least 30 days before the election, at least 18 years old on or before the general election (17-year-olds may vote in a primary if they will be 18 by general election day, for nominating candidates only), not currently incarcerated in jail or prison for a felony conviction, not declared incompetent for voting purposes by a probate court, and not permanently disqualified for election law violations (two convictions)
  2. Choose your registration method:
  3. ONLINE: VoteOhio.gov (Ohio Secretary of State voter registration portal) - requires Ohio BMV driver's license number, Ohio state ID number, or last 4 digits of SSN; deadline: 30 days before Election Day
  4. BY MAIL: Download Ohio voter registration form from VoteOhio.gov; complete, sign; must be postmarked by 30th day before election and received by county BOE
  5. IN PERSON: County Board of Elections office; Ohio BMV (when conducting license transactions); Ohio public libraries; many state and county agencies; deadline: 30 days before Election Day (form received)
  6. NOTE: Ohio does NOT offer same-day voter registration - there is no same-day registration on Election Day or during early voting
  7. Submit registration by 30 days before Election Day
  8. Receive voter registration confirmation
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Ohio driver's license number, Ohio state ID number, or last 4 digits of SSN (for online)
  • Date of birth and current Ohio address
Fee
Free REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 30 days before Election Day (mail postmarked; online/in-person received) NO SAME-DAY REGISTRATION: Ohio does NOT offer same-day voter registration CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION: VoteOhio.gov EARLY VOTING / IN-PERSON ABSENTEE: Ohio has a robust early voting period - begins 29 days before Election Day (the day after voter registration closes); ends the day before Election Day at various times; any registered voter may vote early in person at the County BOE without excuse; convenient option NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE MAIL VOTING: Any registered Ohio voter may request an absentee ballot without excuse; apply by 7 days before election (contact your county BOE); voted ballot must be postmarked no later than the day before Election Day and received by the county BOE no later than 4 days after Election Day ONLINE OPTION: Yes - VoteOhio.gov (registration, absentee request, status check) WHERE TO GO: County Board of Elections; Ohio BMV (motor voter); public libraries; many government agencies
Online Option
Yes - VoteOhio.gov (registration, absentee request, status check)
Where to Go
County Board of Elections; Ohio BMV (motor voter); public libraries; many government agencies
County-specific variations apply

Each of Ohio's 88 counties has its own Board of Elections. Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), Franklin County (Columbus), Hamilton County (Cincinnati), Summit County (Akron), and Montgomery County (Dayton) have the largest election operations. Early voting locations and hours vary by county - contact your specific county BOE. Moving between Ohio counties: re-register in your new county by the 30-day deadline.

Ohio Notes

Important state-specific details

  • NO SAME-DAY REGISTRATION - 30-day advance deadline is firm.
  • EARLY VOTING (in-person absentee): Ohio has one of the longest early voting periods in the country - 29 days before election through the day before; no excuse required; vote at your County BOE.
  • NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE MAIL VOTING: convenient option for all registered voters.
  • PHOTO ID REQUIRED to vote in person: Ohio driver's license, Ohio state ID, interim BMV ID, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, Ohio National Guard ID, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID; all must be unexpired and show name and photo; FREE Ohio ID available from BMV.
  • FELONY VOTING RIGHTS: restored immediately upon release from incarceration - parole, probation, and community control do NOT restrict voting rights; must re-register after release (registration canceled during incarceration); permanent disqualification only for TWO election law violation convictions.
  • 17-year-olds: may pre-register; may vote in primary to nominate candidates if will be 18 by next general election.
  • Polls open 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM on Election Day.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Ohio Secretary of State, Elections - VoteOhio.gov | (877) 767-3453; County Board of Elections (varies by county)