Ohio Constitutional Amendment and General Election
Last update: Sep 20, 2023 11:41 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 20, 2023 14:01 p.m. UTC
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This election guide is researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official sources. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
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48 days to Election Day!
Get a head start:
- Vote early from Oct 11 to Nov 5. Dates and times may vary by location.
- Vote by mail: download and return your absentee ballot request form by Oct 31.
Make sure you're ready to vote:
- Check that you're registered to vote on Ohio's web site.
- You may need to show an ID when you vote in person. See the “Do I need to bring an ID?” section below to learn more.
What key changes should voters know about?
Due to legislation effective April 4,
- You are now required to show photo ID to vote in Ohio.
- If you don't have photo ID, you may vote by provisional ballot. However, you must return to the board of elections no later than four days after Election Day to provide photo ID.
- To apply for an absentee ballot, you are required to provide your driver's license or ID number, the last four digits of your social security number, or a copy of your photo ID.
Learn more by visiting the Ohio Secretary of State's website or contacting your local election office.
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Ohio's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, early voting is offered in this election. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
- Learn more about voting early in Ohio.
- Early voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Ohio’s site to find where to vote early.
What do I need to bring?
You will need to show photo ID to vote in Ohio.
Acceptable forms include:
- unexpired Ohio driver's license, Ohio state ID card, or interim identification form issued by the registrar of motor vehicles
- unexpired US passport or passport card
- unexpired military ID
- unexpired Ohio National Guard ID card
- unexpired US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
- unexpired Ohio driver's 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
Voters without ID: If you do not provide photo ID at the precinct, you will still be able to vote using a provisional ballot. However, in order for that ballot to be counted, you must return to the board of elections no later than four days following Election Day to provide a qualifying form of photo identification.
For more information, please visit the Ohio Secretary of State's website.
Can I register to vote online?
- Ohio offers online voter registration.
- You should know: you need an Ohio driver’s license or Ohio identification card and a Social Security number to use Ohio's online voter registration system. If you don't have an Ohio-issued ID, you can still register by mail to vote.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: Your Social Security number is requested. Providing this number is voluntary. This information allows the Board of Elections to verify your registration if necessary (O.R.C. 3503.14). [Federal law requires that you provide your Ohio driver's license number to register to vote. If you do not have a driver's license then you will have to provide at least the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don't have either number you will have to write "NONE" on the form and the State will assign you a number.]
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: Ohio does NOT require that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
- Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your local election office
- If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes:
- A current and valid photo identification or
- A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
- More information here.
How do I vote by mail?
In Ohio, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your local election office.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
No, this election does not offer in-person registration on Election Day.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can also register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Learn more by visiting the Ohio Secretary of State's website or contacting your local election office.
What are key deadlines for this election?
Registration deadlines
- In-person at local election office : Oct 10
- Online : Oct 10
- By mail (postmarked by) : Oct 10
Absentee ballot deadlines
- Request ballot (received by) : Oct 31 by 8:30 p.m. EDT
- Return ballot by mail (postmarked by) : Nov 6
- Return ballot in person : Nov 7 by 7:30 p.m. EST
Do I need to bring an ID to vote in person?
You will need to show photo ID to vote in Ohio.
Acceptable forms include:
- unexpired Ohio driver's license, Ohio state ID card, or interim identification form issued by the registrar of motor vehicles
- unexpired US passport or passport card
- unexpired military ID
- unexpired Ohio National Guard ID card
- unexpired US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
- unexpired Ohio driver's 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
Voters without ID: If you do not provide photo ID at the precinct, you will still be able to vote using a provisional ballot. However, in order for that ballot to be counted, you must return to the board of elections no later than four days following Election Day to provide a qualifying form of photo identification.
For more information, please visit the Ohio Secretary of State's website.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Ohio Secretary of State's website.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
Please note: Ohio does not have an online absentee ballot request portal.
Who can register to vote?
To register in Ohio you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days immediately before the election in which you want to vote
- be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the next general election day (if you will be 18 on or before the day of the general election, you may vote in the primary election for candidates only, but you cannot vote on issues or party central committees until you are 18)
- not be incarcerated (in jail or in prison) for a felony conviction
- not be found incompetent by a court for purposes of voting by a probate court
- not be permanently disenfranchised for violations of election laws
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Ohio. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Ohio's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Ohio, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Ohio. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.