To register to vote in the State of Ohio an individual must meet the following qualifications:
- Be a United States Citizen
- At least 18 years old on or before the day of the general election. If you will be 18 on or before the general election, you may vote in the primary election for candidates, but not on issues
- Have been a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days immediately before the election
- Not currently in prison for a felony conviction under the laws of the United States, or any state in the United States
- Have not been declared incompetent for voting purposed by a probate court
- Are registered to vote in Ohio at least 30 consecutive days before the election
The voter registration form must be postmarked thirty days before the upcoming election to be valid.
Can select party affiliation at the polls.
You may obtain a form in person, and register in person, at any of the following locations:
- The office of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of State Client Services Center (30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio), or any of the 88 county boards of elections.
- The office of any deputy registrar of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
- Offices of designated agencies that provide public assistance or disability programs.
- Public libraries.
- Public high schools or vocational schools.
- County treasurers’ offices.
- You may also be able to register at sites such as: union-affiliated offices, or at get-out-to-vote rallies at special locations.
You may request a voter registration form by mail, or by calling or visiting your county board of elections. You may obtain a form via mail by contacting the office of the Secretary of State of Ohio or by visiting the Ohio Secretary of State Client Services Center. Anyone may pick up a registration form for you.
You may also request a voter registration form online.
Absentee Voting:
Absentee voting begins 35 days before an election. Once absentee ballots are available, an absentee voter may either vote in person at the county board of elections office, or receive and return the absentee ballot by U.S. Mail.
The request for an absentee ballot must be made in writing. However, a qualified Ohio voter does not have to state a reason to vote by absentee ballot.
The application for an absentee ballot is available online.
The board of elections must receive your request by mail by noon on the Saturday before the election.
All voted absentee ballots must be received at the board office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted.
For more election and voter information you can contact the Ohio Secretary of State’ Office.
