Voting in Ohio

Ohio Voting Guide

By Melissa McCall, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed April 22, 2024

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Welcome to FindLaw’s Ohio Voting Guide. Here, we will answer questions about your eligibility to vote, voter registration, absentee ballots, how to find your polling place, what to bring to the polls, accommodations, and what to do if you see illegal activity at the polls.

What types of voting are there in Ohio?

Ohioans have many opportunities to participate in civic life. Voting is one such opportunity that the state offers. Ohio holds the following types of elections:

General election
- Presidential elections
- U.S. Senate
- Governor
Primary elections (voters pick candidates to represent a political party in a general election)
Statewide elections
Local elections
Special elections

Can I vote in Ohio elections?

Yes, you can vote in Ohio Elections as long as you are:

A U.S. Citizen
At least 18 years old
A resident of the State of Ohio for at least 30 days before an election

You cannot vote in Ohio if you:

Are in prison or jail for a felony conviction
Are incompetent as declared by a judge
Have been permanently disenfranchised for violating election laws

Where do I vote?

Your polling place for early voting or election day voting largely depends on where you live. For in-person and in-person absentee voting, you can search the Ohio Secretary of State’s website for more specific information.

Those voting via an absentee ballot can vote via a drop box. Each county in Ohio has one drop box where Ohio voters can deposit their completed ballot.

Where Do I Vote?

Find complete voting information to cast your ballot for early voting or on election day.

How To Register in Ohio

Ohio residents have several options to register to vote. This includes registering:

In Person

You can get a vote registration form and register to vote in person at the office of the Ohio Secretary of State. You can also get a voter registration form at the following places:

A county board of elections
Public high schools
Public libraries
Multiple public offices

Online

To register online, you’ll need the following:

Ohio driver’s license
Ohio ID card number
Contact information
The last four digits of your Social Security number

At the DMV

You can get a voter registration form and register to vote in person at the office of the registrar or any deputy registrar of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

By Mail

Download the voter registration form and mail it in. You may also ask a county board of elections or the Secretary of State’s office to mail you a voter registration form.

Note: you can register before your 18th birthday as long as you turn 18 by Election Day. You can also use the voter registration page to change your address if you’ve moved.

What are the Ohio voter registration deadlines?

Ohio has different registration deadlines for each election. Look at the online voter registration page for specific deadlines for upcoming elections.

How do I request an Ohio absentee ballot?

You can request an absentee ballot application from your local board of elections. Follow the steps to request an absentee ballot and sign your printed ballot. You can then return it to the County Board of Elections.

What do I need to bring to the polls in Ohio?

Registered voters in Ohio must show a form of photo identification at the polling station. This ID must show your full name and current address. Your current address should match the date on your voter registration form. Acceptable forms of voter identification include, but are not limited to, the following:

Driver’s license
State ID card
U.S. Passport
U.S. Military ID

Provisional Ballots

If you do not have your photo ID at the polling place, you can vote using a provisional ballot. You must confirm your identity at the Board of Elections Office within four days of Election Day.

Accessible Voting Options

Ohio provides accessible options for voters with disabilities. Before Election Day, these voters can vote in the following ways:

Voting by Mail
Accessible Absentee Voting
Early in-person voting
Curbside voting

What do I do if I see something illegal at the polls?

If you see or experience anything that seems illegal at the polls, report it to a poll worker. You can also file a complaint about an election official.

Get Legal Help

You have an absolute right to vote if you meet Ohio’s voter eligibility criteria. If you experience voter intimidation or harassment at your polling place, a civil rights attorney can help. They are experts in voting rights law and can give you sound legal advice. Speak to an experienced civil rights attorney today.

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Ohio Voting Resources

Your vote counts. Take the time to learn how and when to vote.

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