To cast a ballot in Ohio, you must be pre-registered; you can’t just walk in and show ID. Keep in mind that you must register to vote by the deadline, Oct. 7. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to vote in this election, but you can prepare to register for the next one.
How to Register in Ohio as an Ohio Resident
You have two options for registering to vote: online or using a paper form. Registration using the paper form is strongly encouraged.
If you're a U.S. citizen currently residing in Ohio, you can register to vote online at the . Please note that you will need Photo ID to register to vote using the online form. You may also register to vote using a paper form, which asks only for the last four digits of the voter's Social Security Number.
1. Online Registration
Ohio residents can register to vote online using an Ohio driver's license or state ID. While it will not provide you with an opportunity for a quality check, online registration is instant and more convenient.
2. Paper Form Registration
Alternatively, you can register using a paper form with your Driver's License number, State ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Contact your local board of elections to see where to obtain and submit your paper forms. In Portage County, a form can be obtained from the circulation desk on the first floor of the Kent State Library and submitted there or to the .
Tips for Filling Out Your Form
- Make sure the written name matches your ID (including hyphens and special characters)
- For the address field, use your Ohio address
- Make sure that you enter the county, not country
- Make sure that you provide your ID number
- The date next to the signature is not date of birth, but date of signature
Access a PDF copy of Ohio's Paper Voter Registration Form: