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