A Clevelander’s Guide to Voting in the November Election

No matter where you are or what stage of the process you're in, we've answered everything you'll need to know to get to the polls on Nov. 3 for the midterm election.

The Basics

To vote in Ohio, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days before the election and 18 years old by Election Day. If you turn 18 on or before Nov. 3, you can register now.

I'm not registered to vote.

A step-by-step voter registration process is available online, which will prompt you for your Ohio driver's license or state ID number. You can also register by mail, or drop off your registration in person at your county's board of elections office, an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles location, a public library or a public high school. No matter your method, all registrations must be postmarked or submitted by Oct. 5. Boards of elections stay open until 9 p.m. that night.

I need to update my registration.

If you've recently had a name or permanent address change, update your voter registration online by Oct. 5.

Where do I vote?

Counties are divided into smaller precincts, or districts, established by the board of elections to streamline polling locations. The best way to find your precinct is to check online by looking up your voter information. The polls will be open on Election Day from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Anyone in line before 7:30 p.m. will still be able to vote after that time.

I am voting at the polls. What do I need to bring?

A photo ID is required at the polls. Most commonly, this will be an Ohio driver's license or a U.S. passport. Other acceptable IDs include a state ID card, an interim ID from the BMV, a U.S. passport card, a U.S. military or military dependent ID, an Ohio National Guard ID or a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card. Whichever you bring, it cannot be expired.

Can I still vote if I forget my ID?

You will still be able to vote on-site, but it will be cast as a provisional ballot. These are also used for voters whose registration does not match the information on their ID. Provisional ballots are the same as any other voter ballot, but the county board of elections will have to verify your eligibility before counting your vote. For it to count, the board must receive your valid identification information within four days after Election Day — by Nov. 7.

I do not live at home and cannot vote in person at the polls.

Students and other Ohio residents not currently living at their permanent address or in the county where they are registered to vote may opt for an absentee ballot. To get one, submit an absentee ballot application to your county's board of elections. The form asks for your Ohio driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number or a copy of an acceptable photo ID — leave that off and your request can be rejected.

You can apply now. Boards accept applications well ahead of the election, and the deadline is 8:30 p.m. Oct. 27, seven days before Election Day. Ballots begin going out in the mail Oct. 6. The completed ballot must be delivered in person to your county's board of elections — or dropped in the secure drop box there — by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, or postmarked by Nov. 2, the day before the election. A mailed ballot must reach the board within four days after the election, by Nov. 7, to be counted.

I can't make it to the polls on Nov. 3.

Absentee ballots are a viable option for anyone who cannot make it to the polls on Election Day, as well as those who wish to vote early. Early voting also begins in person at each county's board of elections office on the day after the voter registration deadline, Oct. 6, and continues through 5 p.m. Nov. 1. Voting times on each day will vary.

How can I find out what's on my ballot?

Sample ballots will become available closer to Election Day, which can be found when you search for your precinct. You may also find your ballot's issues on your county's board of elections website. Find yours here:

Cuyahoga

Geauga

Lake

Lorain

Medina

Portage

Summit

Still don't see what you need?

Find more information at ohiosos.gov.

For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.

Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, featuring immersive stories, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.