Important Dates and Election Information
- Last day to register to vote: Monday, Oct. 7
- Early in-person voting: Tuesday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Nov. 3
- Deadline to request absentee ballot: Tuesday, Oct. 29
- Deadline to return absentee ballot: By mail, Monday, Nov. 4 (postmarked); In person, Tuesday, Nov. 5
- General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter registration: The deadline to register to vote for the general election is Monday, Oct. 7. Check your status at the state’s voter information portal.
- Absentee voting: Any registered voter in Ohio can request an absentee ballot without a reason.
- Early voting: Voters can cast a ballot before Election Day at their county board of elections office from Tuesday, Oct. 8 to Sunday, Nov. 3. Check the location and times of early in-person voting with your county board of elections.
- Voting at the polls: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bring a valid form of photo ID, such as your Ohio driver’s license or U.S. passport.
Recent Voting Changes in Ohio
- A voter may only return their own absentee ballot when using a drop box. If you are returning an absentee ballot on behalf of someone else, like a relative or disabled person, you must deliver it to the county board of elections in person or by mail. If delivering in person, sign a form at the board office attesting you are acting in compliance with state and federal law.
- Voters must show a valid photo ID when voting at the polls. Documents such as a paycheck, utility bill, or Social Security card are no longer considered valid. If you do not have a valid photo ID, you can obtain a free state ID card at any Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) deputy registrar license agency in Ohio.
- The deadline to request an absentee ballot is now seven days before an election (previously it was three days).
- Your county board of elections must receive your absentee ballot by mail no later than four days after an election. However, it must be postmarked by the day before the election.
- Early in-person voting is no longer offered on the Monday before Election Day.
- Redistricting has changed the boundaries of some U.S. congressional and state legislative districts. Locate your district on the state elections website.
How to Register to Vote
Register online, by mail, or in person.
- Online: Use the state’s voter registration portal. You’ll need your current Ohio driver’s license or ID card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Register online by Monday, Oct. 7, for the general election.
- By mail: Download and print a voter registration form from the state elections website. Include your current Ohio driver’s license number, state ID card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Mail the form to your county board of elections; it must be postmarked by Monday, Oct. 7.
- In person: Pick up a registration form at your county board of elections office, Ohio BMV, or other state-designated agencies. Deliver the completed form by Monday, Oct. 7.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
Ohio doesn’t allow same-day voter registration.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
Check your registration status using the state’s voter lookup portal.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Any registered voter can request an absentee ballot by mail or by phone without providing a reason.
- By mail: Download and print an absentee ballot application from the state elections website. Include your driver’s license number, state ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or a copy of your photo ID. Mail the completed application to your county board of elections.
- By phone: Call your county board of elections to request an absentee ballot application be mailed to you.
Your application must be received by the board of elections office by close of business on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Returning an Absentee Ballot
Return your absentee ballot by mail or in person.
- By mail: Mail your completed ballot to your county board of elections. It must be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 4, and received no later than Saturday, Nov. 9.
- In person: Return your absentee ballot to your county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5).
- Drop box: Use the ballot drop box outside your county board of elections office. Only your personal absentee ballot may be returned via drop box.
Track the status of your absentee ballot at the state elections website.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
You can vote early at your county board of elections office from Tuesday, Oct. 8, through Sunday, Nov. 3. For more information, visit the state elections website.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. If you’re in line before the polls close, you can cast your ballot. Find your sample ballot on the state’s website.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
Bring a valid photo ID, such as an Ohio driver’s license, U.S. passport, or U.S. military ID. A paycheck, utility bill, Social Security card, birth certificate, and some other government documents are no longer considered valid under a 2023 law.
Voting with a Disability
All polling places in Ohio are required to be accessible to voters with disabilities. If you need help marking your ballot because of a disability, two precinct election officials — one from each major political party — may assist you, or you can bring someone of your choosing (not your employer, union representative, or their agent). Curbside voting is available if you’re unable to enter the polling place. More resources for voters with disabilities are available on the state elections website.
Voting from a Nursing Home or Long-Term Care Facility
If you are confined to a nursing home or long-term care facility and cannot vote in person, you can vote using an absentee ballot.
