Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:30 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:10 a.m. UTC
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Summary
Ohio allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. Ohio offers early voting.
Top Actions
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.
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 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, Ohio does offer early voting. 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.
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.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Ohio’s site.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Ohio does offer early voting.
- 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.
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.
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?
Ohio does not offer registration on Election Day.
Get Ready to Vote
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Ohio Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
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.
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.