What you need to know about Ohio Politics and Policy
Nova Dugan-Mezensky · October 11, 2024
FAQs for voters in college
How do I register to vote in Ohio as a first-time voter?
Visit your county’s Board of Elections or the Ohio Secretary of State’s website and register before 9 PM on October 7, 2024.
What is the deadline to register to vote in Ohio?
9 PM on October 7, 2024.
Can I vote in Ohio if I’m an out-of-state student attending college here?
Yes, if you are a US citizen and have been living in Ohio for at least 30 days, you qualify to vote in Ohio. You must register to vote in Ohio. Then you can vote in person using a valid, unexpired Ohio photo ID or driver’s license, or passport to vote in person, or simply vote by mail / absentee vote using the last 4 digits of your social security number.
What are the requirements to vote as a college student in Ohio?
They are the same for you as they are for anyone else. If you are a US citizen and have been living in Ohio for at least 30 days, you qualify to vote in Ohio.
Where can I find my polling place if I’m registered in Ohio?
You can visit OhioVoterGuide.org to find your polling place and any additional information you need.
What types of ID do I need to vote in Ohio?
To vote in-person in Ohio, you need a valid, unexpired Ohio photo ID or driver’s license, or US passport. To vote by mail / absentee vote in Ohio you can simply use the last 4 digits of your social security number.
What options do I have if I don’t have an Ohio ID?
You can use your valid, unexpired US passport, or vote by mail using the last 4 digits of your social security number.
How do I request an absentee ballot to vote in Ohio?
You can visit your local Board of Elections to complete an absentee ballot request form, or find one at the Ohio Secretary of State’s website and complete the information to request one.
What is the deadline to request an absentee ballot in Ohio?
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is seven days before the respective election. In the case of the 2024 General Election, that deadline would be Tuesday, October 29.
Can I vote early in Ohio, and if so, how do I do that?
You can vote early at your local early voting center, which is usually your county’s Board of Elections. You can find your early voting location by visiting OhioVoterGuide.org, and early voting hours can be found at the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
Where can I find information on candidates and issues in Ohio elections?
Everything you need is at OhioVoterGuide.org. OhioVoterGuide.org has nonpartisan information about all 1,395 candidates running in Ohio this year, including biographies and endorsements on the biggest statewide candidates and issues.
What are the voting hours on Election Day in Ohio?
On Election Day, polls are open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. If you are in line to vote at 7:30 PM when polls close, you can still vote. Stay in line until it is your time to vote.
Can I vote if I’m away for a school break or studying abroad?
Yes, if you are a qualifying resident of Ohio you can vote, even if you are out of state on vacation or while studying abroad. You will likely have to vote by mail. You can find more information on absentee voting, also known as vote-by-mail here.
What do I do if I registered in Ohio but want to vote in my home state instead?
If you qualify to vote in your home state and there is still time to register there, you can certainly do so. Be sure to research the requirements in your home state, and only vote in one state.
What’s the difference between absentee voting and voting by mail?
Absentee voting and voting by mail are two phrases for the same activity.
How do I request an absentee ballot from my home state while I’m studying in Ohio?
Follow the requirements for requesting an absentee ballot from your home state. Guidelines will likely be on your home state’s Secretary of State’s website or similar site. WhenWeAllVote.org or Vote.org may be able to help you locate the right resources.
What’s the deadline to mail my absentee ballot for it to count?
Absentee ballots must be postmarked the day before the election, or returned in person to your county’s Board of Elections before 7:30 PM on Election Day.
Can I drop off my absentee ballot in person if I missed the mailing deadline?
Yes, you can return your absentee ballot in person to your county’s Board of Elections before 7:30 PM on Election Day.
How do I decide whether to vote in Ohio or in my home state?
That decision is entirely up to you. You should vote wherever you are legally considered a resident of. You are considered an Ohio resident once you take a job, sign a lease, buy a home, or enroll a child in school in Ohio.
What should I bring with me to the polling place as a first-time voter?
Bring your valid, unexpired Ohio state ID or driver’s license, military ID, or US passport.
Do I need to show ID as a first-time voter in Ohio?
Everyone voting in person in Ohio needs a valid form of ID.
How do I find information on how to fill out my ballot correctly?
OhioVoterGuide.org can help!
What do I do if I make a mistake on my ballot?
If you make a mistake you may request a second ballot.
Are there any resources that can help me understand the voting process as a first-time voter?
Innovation Ohio posts resources. WhenWeAllVote.org and Vote.org have resources, also.
What should I do if I get to my polling place and my name isn’t on the voter rolls?
Unfortunately if that happens you may not be registered to vote, or something may have been processed wrong. Double check that you are in the right location to vote, and you can check your registration online at OhioVoterGuide.org. If everything looks to be in order, vote provisionally and then be sure to follow-up to make sure your vote is counted.
What should I do if I need help voting in Ohio because of a disability?
See our FAQs for disabled voters.
Can I still vote if I am sick or quarantined on Election Day?
Yes! Contact your county’s Board of Elections.
What if I have class, work, or other commitments on Election Day?
You should still find a way to vote! If you have other obligations on Election Day, you should plan ahead to absentee vote or early vote. Some schools and workplaces offer a holiday on Election Day so people can go vote. It may be worthwhile to see if that applies to you.
How do I find out if my voter registration has been accepted in Ohio?
You will likely get a notification by mail, but you can also check at OhioVoterGuide.org.
Can I vote provisionally in Ohio if there is a problem with my registration?
Yes, but you will have to be sure that your vote counts by following up with your county’s Board of Elections within 4 days of casting your ballot.
Where can I find information on voter registration drives at my college? What campus resources can help me register to vote? Are there any college groups that offer transportation to the polls on Election Day? How can I get involved in voter outreach or education on my campus?
Many colleges and universities have civic engagement programs. You can likely find this at your school’s student union or on their website. Ask trusted peers, advisors, and professors what they know about your campus’s civic engagement programs.
Where can I go for nonpartisan voting information?
What should I do if I experience problems or discrimination while voting?
You can call an Election Protection Hotline: 866-687-8683 for English, 866-839-8682 for Spanish, 844-925-5287 for Arabic, and 888-274-8683 for Asian languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali).