Frequently Asked Questions
about voting in Ohio
Voter Registration
How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote online.
You can also print out this voter registration form, fill it out, sign it, and then mail it to your county Board of Elections.
How do I check if I'm registered?
Visit voteohio.gov to check your registration. If you find your name on the list, congratulations — you’re on the rolls!
I’m worried that I may have been purged. What should I do?
If it’s been a while since you voted, you should check your registration here. If you do not see your name listed, re-register to vote.
If you don't, you will be asked to vote a provisional ballot that will be reviewed for counting after Election Day.
What are the voter eligibility requirements?
You are qualified to register to vote in Ohio if you meet all the following requirements:
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You are a citizen of the United States;
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You will be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the next general election. (If you will be 18 on or before the general election, you may vote in the primary election to nominate candidates, but you cannot vote on issues or party central committees until you are 18);
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You will be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days immediately before the election in which you want to vote;
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You are not incarcerated (in prison or jail) for a felony conviction under the laws of this state, another state, or the United States;
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You have not been declared incompetent for voting purposes by a probate court; and
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You have not been permanently disenfranchised for violating the election laws.
You are eligible to vote in elections held in your voting precinct 30 days after you are duly registered to vote in this state. You may request an absentee ballot during that 30 day period.
I moved from out of state. Is it too late to register to vote in Ohio?
In order to vote in Ohio, you must first be registered in this state. The next voter registration deadline is October 7 to vote in the November 5 Presidential General Election.
I have moved since I last voted. What should I do?
If you have moved within Ohio since you last voted, you must go to the polling place where you currently live. Find your polling place at gettothepolls.com. You will be asked to vote a provisional ballot that will be reviewed for counting after Election Day.
Vote By Mail
Is voting by mail safe?
Voting by mail is safe and secure. In fact, you can track your ballot from the moment you request it until it’s received by your county board of elections. Once your ballot is received, it is securely stored until it is counted. If you would prefer not to put your absentee ballot in the mail, you can also return it to your county board of election’s secure drop box.
Where can I find a drop box near me?
Absentee ballots can be returned at your county board of elections (NOT at your neighborhood polling place). Find your drop box location here.
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Remember to return your absentee ballot in the drop box by 7:30 pm on Election Day.
How much postage do I need to put on my ballot?
Postage may vary according to the number of races on your local ballot. Check the instructions included with your ballot or contact your county board of elections to determine proper postage.
What’s the deadline for requesting and returning a ballot?
In order to vote by mail, your Board of Elections must receive your absentee ballot request form by the Close of Business a week before Election Day (by 8:30pm on October 29).
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If you return your completed absentee ballot by hand, it must be dropped off at your county Board of Elections by 7:30pm on Election Day (November 5).
If you return your completed absentee ballot by mail, it must be postmarked the day before Election Day (November 4) and must arrive at your county Board of Elections by the 4th day after Election Day (November 9).
I didn't receive my absentee ballot. What should I do?
During early voting, you can go to your board of elections and tell them you changed your mind. You will be able to vote a regular ballot.
If it’s not possible to early vote, you can go to your polling place on Election Day and vote a provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot will be counted after Election Day, once the Board of Elections verifies that you did not vote twice. Find your polling place at gettothepolls.com.
Can I vote by mail if I don't have a photo ID?
Yes! Voting by mail will allow voters to provide a mailing address and the last 4 digits of their Social Security Number. You do not need a valid Ohio driver's license or state ID in order to vote by mail.
Early In-Person Voting
When can I vote early?
Early in person voting is available in each county. Evening and weekend hours are also available. View the schedule of early voting hours here.
Where is my early voting center?
Each county has only one location where early in person voting is permitted, typically the county board of elections. To find your county’s early voting address, check here.
What ID do I need to bring?
If you are voting early in person, you must provide your Ohio driver’s license, state ID, US passport, or military ID. After HB 458, a valid photo ID is now required to vote early in person — you may no longer vote in person using the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
What if I can't vote in-person because I don't have a valid ID?
If you don't have a valid photo ID, voting by mail is the best option for you. Voting by mail allows voters to provide a mailing address and the last 4 digits of their social in order to vote by mail.
Election Day Voting
How do I vote on Election Day?
Election Day polling places are open from 6:30am – 7:30pm. However, your polling place may have changed. Check your polling place before you vote.
I showed up at my polling place at 7:30pm. Can I still vote?
If you are in line at your polling place by 7:30pm, stay in line — you have the right to vote!
If you get in line by 7:30pm and any poll workers try to turn you away, call or text 866-OUR-VOTE so a trained volunteer can help you report and resolve it.
What Election Day ID do I need?
All Election Day voters must bring acceptable identification to the polls in order to verify their identity. Valid IDs include:
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Ohio driver's license;
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State of Ohio ID card;
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Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV;
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A US passport;
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A US passport card;
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US military ID card;
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Ohio National Guard ID card; or
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US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
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An unexpired Ohio Driver License, State ID Card, or Interim Documentation with your former address IS an ACCEPTABLE form of ID when your current address is in the pollbook.
Voter ID Requirements
What ID do I need to vote in person (early or on Election Day)?
Valid IDs include:
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Ohio driver's license;
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State of Ohio ID card;
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Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV;
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A US passport;
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A US passport card;
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US military ID card;
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Ohio National Guard ID card; or
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US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
An unexpired Ohio Driver License, State ID Card, or Interim Documentation with your former address IS an ACCEPTABLE form of ID when your current address is in the pollbook.
What forms of ID are no longer acceptable?
You may no longer use:
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Utility or cell phone bill
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Bank statement
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Paycheck
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Government check
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Government document from Social Security or Ohio Jobs and Family Services
A student ID and county military ID also will not count.
How do I get a free state ID?
The BMV will issue State of Ohio ID Cards for FREE to anyone 17 and older who does not have a driver’s license. VoteRiders, a non-partisan, non-profit will help anyone get a free ID.
Additional Information
I'm an out of state student. How should I vote?
Out of state students who get a free state ID will have their home state license revoked. Assuming you are registered to vote in Ohio, you can vote by mail with the last four digits of their Social Security Number or in person with a US passport or military ID.
I want to be ready to vote when my ballot arrives! How can I see what’s going to be on my ballot?
You can see your ballot here: https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/toolkit/sample-ballot/
I have a physical disability and cannot enter my polling location. Can I still vote in person?
Voters with a disability who are physically unable to enter a
polling place must be permitted to vote. Election officials
cannot challenge the voters on their condition. Voters get to vote in their car or at the door of the polling place with the assistance of a bipartisan team of election
officials.
Can I vote if I have been convicted of a crime?
If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor, you have the right to vote, even if you are incarcerated.
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If you have been arrested for a felony but have not been convicted, you still have the right to vote.
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If you are on parole or probation, live in a halfway house, or are on house arrest, you have the right to vote.
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Once you are out of jail or prison for a felony conviction, you must re-register to vote, even if you were previously registered.
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The only time you may not vote is if you are currently incarcerated on a felony conviction. But, you re-gain the right to vote once you are released. Just re-register at voteohio.gov.
I have a voting question. Is there someone who can help me with my question or problem voting?
Yes! Call the non-partisan hotline 866-OUR-VOTE if you have questions or problems voting. Visit 866ourvote.org to learn more about Election Protection resources that help ensure your vote counts.
How can I get a ride to the polls?
There are various available resources for you to get a free ride to the polls, including RideShare2Vote and other city-specific resources.
I'm a Safe at Home participant. How can I register to vote?
Safe at Home program participants may register to vote with a confidential voter registration record. The registration information of a program participant with a confidential voter registration record will not be accessible to the public. Learn more about Safe at Home.
English isn't my first language. Can I still get help with voting questions?
In addition to the 866-OUR-VOTE hotline, Election Protection also has three language hotlines:
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Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
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Asian Languages (Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali): 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
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Arabic: 844-YALLA-US or 844-925-5287