Last update: May 15, 2025 04:33 a.m. EDT
Last update: May 14, 2025 04:33 a.m. EDT
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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
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Registration Summary
Ohio offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Ohio by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.
How do election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Visit the Ohio Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.
Registration Top Actions
Who can register to vote?
To register in Ohio you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days immediately before the election in which you want to vote
- be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the next general election day (if you will be 18 on or before the day of the general election, you may vote in the primary election for candidates only, but you cannot vote or party central committees until you are 18)
- not be incarcerated (in jail or in prison) for a felony conviction
- not be found incompetent by a court for purposes of voting by a probate court
- not be permanently disenfranchised for violations of election laws
Can I register to vote online?
- Ohio offers online voter registration.
- To register online in Ohio, you need the last four digits of your Social Security number and either an Ohio driver’s license or an Ohio identification card number. If you don’t have an Ohio-issued ID or Social Security number, you can still register by mail or in person.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: Your Social Security number is requested. Providing this number is voluntary. This information allows the Board of Elections to verify your registration if necessary (O.R.C. 3503.14). [Federal law requires that you provide your Ohio driver's license number to register to vote. If you do not have a driver's license then you will have to provide at least the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don't have either number you will have to write "NONE" on the form and the State will assign you a number.]
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are NOT required to register with a party to vote in Ohio partisan primary elections. However, if you vote in a partisan primary election, you will become affiliated with the party whose primary you participate in.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
- Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your local election office.
- If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes current and valid photo identification OR current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. More information here.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Ohio does not offer registration on Election Day.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Learn more by visiting the Ohio Secretary of State website or contacting your local election office.
Can I register to vote before I turn 18?
You can register to vote in Ohio before you turn 18 if you:
You must be at least 18 years old to vote, except that you may vote in the primary election to nominate candidates if you will be 18 on or before the general election. You cannot vote on issues or party central committees until you are 18 years old.
- are 18 on or before Ohio's next general election, which is on Tuesday, November 4, 2025
- are a citizen of the United States
- are a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days immediately before the election in which you want to vote
- are not incarcerated (in jail or in prison) for a felony conviction
- have not been declared incompetent for voting purposes by a probate court
- have not been permanently disenfranchised for violations of election laws
You must be at least 18 years old to vote, except that you may vote in the primary election to nominate candidates if you will be 18 on or before the general election. You cannot vote on issues or party central committees until you are 18 years old.
Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?
Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Ohio Secretary of State website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Ohio:
- county board of elections
- Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)
- public libraries
- public high schools or vocational schools
You can find a list of locations that provide voter registration applications on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register online on the Ohio Secretary of State website.
To register using the Ohio online voter registration system, you are required to provide the last four digits of your Social Security number and ONE of the following ID numbers:
- Ohio driver’s license
- Ohio identification card number
If you don’t have an Ohio-issued ID or Social Security number, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.
Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your application by mail in Ohio, you are required to provide your Ohio driver’s license number or Ohio state ID number. If you do not have an Ohio-issued ID, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, write “none” in the ID number box.
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Ohio. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
Watch this video about military and overseas voting from the Ohio Secretary of State.
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Ohio's voter registration lookup tool.
Which election office should I contact?
- In Ohio, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Ohio. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.