Are You Ready to Vote? Essential Info for Ohio Voters Before the November Election!

With the November election fast approaching, Ohio voters must ensure they're registered by the critical October 7 deadline to have their say on November 5. Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard!

How to Register to Vote in Ohio

Getting registered is easier than ever! Here’s how you can do it:

• Online: If you have an Ohio driver’s license or state ID, register through the Ohio Secretary of State's website.
• By Mail: Download and print the registration form, complete it, and mail it to your local Board of Elections. Be sure it’s postmarked by October 7!
• In Person: You can register at any Akron-Summit County Public Library branch or a deputy registrar of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Deadline Alert!

Mark your calendars! The Summit County Board of Elections will close at 9 p.m. on October 7. Ensure your mail-in registration forms are postmarked by this date to be eligible for the upcoming election.

Check Your Registration Status

Wondering if you’re registered? You can easily check your status online at the League of Women Voters’ Vote 411 site. If you have trouble finding your information, don’t hesitate to contact the Board of Elections.

Updating Your Information

If you’ve moved recently, updating your address is a breeze! The voter registration form also serves as a change-of-address form. For those without a permanent address, using a temporary one, like a shelter or halfway house, is acceptable.

Understanding Voter ID Requirements

Ohio mandates that voters present valid identification to cast their ballots. Here’s what you need to know:

• IDs must be current and valid; they don’t need to show your current address if you’re listed among registered voters.
• Utility bills and bank statements can no longer be used as substitutes for ID.
• The new Ohio MobileID is not accepted for voting.

Acceptable Forms of ID Include:

• Ohio driver’s license or state ID
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. military ID, Ohio National Guard ID, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID
• Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV

If you forget your ID, you can cast a provisional ballot, ensuring your vote counts once your eligibility is confirmed.

Voter Eligibility Criteria

Here’s what you need to qualify to vote in Ohio:

• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• You must be at least 18 years old by Election Day.
• You must be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days before the election.
• You should not be incarcerated for a felony conviction.
• You must not be declared incompetent for voting by a probate court.
• You must not have been permanently disenfranchised due to election law violations.

Key Dates for November 5 Election

Stay informed about important dates:

• Voter Registration Deadline: October 7
• Early In-Person Voting: October 8 - November 3 (select dates and hours)
• Absentee Voting by Mail Begins: October 8
• Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: October 29 at 8:30 p.m.
• Mailed Absentee Ballot Postmark Date: November 4
• Election Day: Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Your Vote Matters!

Stay engaged and be part of the democratic process. Remember, knowledge is power, and