With the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, ensuring that you’re registered to vote is crucial—especially if you’re a first-time voter or a college student. Ohio residents have several ways to register, but it’s important to be aware of the deadlines and required steps to make sure your voice is heard on Election Day.
Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.
1. Eligibility Requirements
To register to vote in Ohio, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be at least 18 years old by Election Day (November 5, 2024).
- Have been an Ohio resident for at least 30 days before the election.
- Not be incarcerated for a felony conviction.
- Not have been declared incompetent for voting by a court.
- Not be permanently disqualified for voting due to election law violations.
2. How to Register
Ohio offers multiple ways to register to vote: online, by mail, and in person.
Online Registration
The simplest way to register is through the Ohio Secretary of State’s website at olvr.ohiosos.gov. You’ll need a valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID, along with the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).
Register by Mail
You can also download a voter registration form from the Secretary of State’s website or obtain one from local offices such as libraries or county board of elections offices. Once completed, mail it to your county board of elections. Be sure it is postmarked by October 7, 2024, the registration deadline.
In-Person Registration
In-person registration is available at the following locations:
- County board of elections offices.
- Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offices.
- Public libraries and high schools.
3. Voter Registration Deadlines
For the 2024 General Election, the deadline to register is October 7, 2024, whether registering online, by mail, or in person. Any mailed forms must be postmarked by this date.
4. Checking Your Registration Status
If you’re unsure whether you’re registered, or if you need to update your information (such as a change of address), visit voterlookup.ohiosos.gov to check your status. Make sure your registration details are up to date to avoid any issues on Election Day.
5. Identification Requirements
Ohio requires valid identification to vote in person. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- An unexpired Ohio driver’s license or state ID card (even if the address is outdated).
- A U.S. passport.
- Military ID.
If voting by mail (absentee ballot), you can use the last four digits of your SSN instead of a photo ID.
6. Ways to Vote
Once registered, you have three options for casting your ballot:
- Absentee (by mail): You can request an absentee ballot from your county board of elections and return it by mail. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by November 4, 2024, or delivered in person by November 5, 2024, before polls close.
- Early Voting: Early in-person voting begins the day after the close of voter registration (October 8, 2024). Check with your local board of elections for times.
- Election Day Voting: On November 5, 2024, polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you’re in line by 7:30 p.m., you are allowed to vote.
7. Special Considerations for College Students
College students in Ohio have the option to register and vote in either their hometown or the community where they are attending school. Be sure to check your registration status and polling location well in advance.
Final Thoughts
Voting is one of the most impactful ways to shape the future of your community and country. Take the time now to register, check your status, and make a voting plan for the upcoming election.
For more information, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website at voteohio.gov.
