No matter where you are or what stage of your voter journey you’re currently in, we’ve answered everything you’ll need to know to join the polls on Nov. 5 for the presidential and senate elections.
The basics
You must be at least 18 years old to register to vote. To vote in Ohio, you must have proof of Ohio citizenship.
I’m not registered to vote.
A step-by-step voter registration process is available online, which will prompt you for basic identification information. 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 or any public school or library. No matter your method, all registrations must be postmarked or submitted by the 30th day before the election: Oct. 7.
I need to update my registration.
If you’ve recently had a name or permanent address change, update your voter registration online by Oct. 7.
Where do I vote?
Counties are broken up into smaller precincts, or districts, established by the board of elections to streamline polling locations for residents. The best way to determine your precinct is checking 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. Need a ride to the polls? RTA buses will go fare-free on Nov. 5 to aid Clevelanders in Election Day transportation. Lyft will also offer ride-share options at a discounted price.
I am voting at the polls. What do I need to bring?
A photo ID is required at the polls in order to vote. Most commonly, this will be an individual’s unexpired driver’s license or their U.S. passport. Other acceptable IDs include a state ID card, an interim ID form, a military ID or a U.S. Veterans Affair card.
Can I still vote if I forget my ID?
You will still be able to vote on-site, but it will be casted as a provisional ballot. These are also utilized 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. To deem eligible, the board of elections must receive your valid identification information within four days after voting.
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. In order to receive one, you must request a ballot via a voter identification application to be sent to your county’s board of elections. This can be done as early as Oct. 8, until seven days before the election, Oct. 29. Once your request is granted, you will receive a physical ballot in the mail. The completed ballot must be delivered in person to your county’s board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, or postmarked to the county board of elections by the day before the election, Nov. 4. The county board of elections must receive your mailed ballot by four days after the election in order for votes to be counted.
I can’t make it to the polls on Nov. 5.
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 will also begin in person at each county’s board of elections office on the day after the voter registration deadline, Oct. 8, and continue through Nov. 3. 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. Greater Cleveland counties can find their site here:
READ MORE: Could Ohio Fix its Gerrymandering Problem This Fall?
Still don’t see what you need?
Find more information at ohiosos.gov.
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