9 Essential Facts About Registering to Vote in Ohio

1. What Are the Voter Registration Deadlines in Ohio?

In Ohio, you can register to vote in person, by mail, or online. The deadlines for all methods are 30 days before Election Day, with extensions to the next business day if the deadline falls on a Sunday or holiday.

2. What Are the Eligibility Requirements to Vote in Ohio?

To be eligible to vote in Ohio, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old (or older if you will be 18 by Election Day), and a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days before the election. Additionally, you cannot be currently incarcerated for a felony conviction or declared incompetent for voting purposes.

3. How Can I Register to Vote in Ohio?

You can register to vote in Ohio by using the National Voter Registration Form, which is available online. You can also obtain a registration form from the Office of the Ohio Secretary of State, county boards of elections, public high schools, or deputy registrars at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

4. Can I Register to Vote Online in Ohio?

Yes, you can register to vote online through Ohio's election website. The same deadlines apply as for mail and in-person registration.

5. What Information Do I Need to Provide When Registering?

When registering in person, you must provide your name, address, county of residence, date of birth, and signature or legal mark. If you do not have an Ohio Driver's License or Social Security number, you can use alternative documents like a valid photo identification card or utility bill as proof of identity.

6. How Do I Update My Voter Registration Information?

If you move or change your name after registering, you must update your information by submitting a new voter registration form or change of address form. This should be done no later than 30 days prior to the election to ensure you can vote a regular ballot.

7. Can I Vote Early in Ohio?

Yes, you can vote early in Ohio. You can apply for a Vote-by-Mail/Absentee ballot or vote in person at scheduled times at the county board of elections. Early voting options are available for registered voters in Ohio.

8. What Are the Rules for Voting in a Primary Election in Ohio?

Ohio is a partially open primary state. When you register to vote, you must choose your party affiliation, but you can change it publicly to vote in another party's primary election. Unaffiliated voters can vote for candidates of any party in the general election but not in partisan primaries.

9. How Can I Check My Voter Registration Status?

You can confirm your voter registration status on Ohio's election website. Simply enter your name and date of birth to check if you are registered to vote.