Voting in Ohio

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Election Dates

05/02/2023
State Primary Election Day
04/03/2023
Voter Registration Deadline (by mail - postmarked)

Vote By Mail Deadlines

04/29/2023
Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)
05/01/2023
Deadline to Return Ballot (Postmarked By)

Early Voting Dates

04/04/2023
Early Voting Begins
05/01/2023
Early Voting Ends

The upcoming election is a state primary. Click here for additional info, including party requirements and what's on the ballot.

Polling place hours: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Register to Vote
Frequently Asked Questions

Ohio Board of Elections Phone Number: (614) 466-2585

Ohio Board of Elections Website

Having trouble at the polls?

Call or text: 1-866-OUR-VOTE

Register to Vote in Ohio

Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!

Am I Registered?

Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.

Vote By Mail

Request and track

Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Ohio.

Vote By Mail Deadlines

04/29/2023
Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)
05/01/2023
Deadline to Return Ballot (Postmarked By)

How Vote By Mail Works in Ohio

Voting by mail is a two step process in Ohio.

Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be received is April 29th at noon. 

  • Include your in-state ID number or proof of residence on your application.

Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.

  • Return in person to your county election office or county designated dropbox by 7:30 p.m. on May 2nd.
  • Or stamp and mail your ballot - ballots must be postmarked by May 1st and received by 10 days after Election Day to be counted. To make your postmark date, put the ballot into your home mailbox for collection at least one day prior to ensure it is picked up and processed. You can also drop the ballot off at the post office before the last posted collection time on May 1st. We recommend returning ASAP.

Click Here to See Your Ballot

Where to Sign Your Ballot

Remember to sign your return ballot.

After you complete your ballot, be sure to sign the ID envelope. You must also include your in-state ID number and social security number. You may also enclose a copy of your valid in-state photo ID in place of writing the numbers on the statement.

Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.

ID Requirements to Vote By Mail

First time voters must submit ID when voting by mail.

ID is required with completed mail-in ballot.

If you vote in person you must present a valid photo ID.

If you vote by mail, you must provide your in-state ID number or proof of residence with the application. Then, when you submit your ballot you must write your ID number and social security number on the return envelope. When returning the ballot, you do not need to provide ID again, but the signature on the ballot must match the signature on the voter registration form.

Click here for on qualifying photo ID.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.

You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office, or drop box.

Track Your Ballot

Track your ballot by clicking here.

Haven't used your ballot?

Yes, but you may be required to vote by a provisional ballot. This is better than not voting at all!

Opportunities to Fix Challenges to Your Ballot

Ohio does offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot.

Your state has a cure period, which means you can “cure” a challenge to the signature on your ballot if it was done incorrectly. Your local elections office is required to contact you and give you options to remedy your ballot. You may cure your ballot until the 7th day after Election Day.

You may get a call from a number you do not recognize with a notification that you need to cure your ballot. Be sure to pick so you don’t miss your chance to make sure your vote is counted.

Voter ID

Do Voters Need ID?

Ohio voters must show ID at the polls to vote.

Acceptable IDs include:

  • Unexpired driver’s license or state ID card
  • Military ID card
  • Unexpired photo ID issued by the federal government, or state of Ohio with voter’s name and current address

If the voter uses any of the below forms of ID they must provide an original or copy, with the voter’s name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 12 months:

  • An original or copy of a current utility bill or cellphone bill that has voter’s name, current address and is from the past 12 months
  • An original or copy of a current utility bill; or
  • An original or copy of a current bank statement; or
  • An original or copy of a current government check; or
  • An original or copy of a current paycheck

A voter may cast a provisional ballot if they lack the necessary ID.

Voter ID in Ohio

Find Your Ballot

Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.

Primaries

Statewide Primaries

Primary Type (D): Mixed
Primary Type (R): Mixed

To participate in the May 3rd primary election, you may choose to vote in any party’s primary. You will become a member of the party that you choose.

The Ohio primary election includes the following races:
– U.S. senator and representatives
– Ohio governor
– State legislators
– Judicial races
– Municipal government seats

In your state, 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by November 8th, 2022, are able to vote in the state primary election.

Automatic Registration

Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.

Election Day Registration

You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.

In-Person Absentee Voting

In-Person Absentee Dates

04/04/2023
Voting Begins
05/01/2023
Voting Ends

You can vote in-person absentee in Ohio

To vote in person absentee you request, fill out, and return your ballot at designated early voting locations.

Preregister

Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.

In Ohio, you can preregister to vote if you are 18 by the next election. Register to vote today!

Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!

You can vote in the Ohio primaries if you are 17 by the next election.