How to vote in Ohio

Registration deadlines, ID, mail and early voting in Ohio, in plain English, with the official links. The Ohio Secretary of State, Elections Division is the final word on every rule.

Check your registration Register online Official election office
Register online Yes: 30 days before Election Day (online registration needs an Ohio driver's license or state ID number and the last four digits of your SSN).
Register by mail Received or postmarked by the 30th day before Election Day.
Register in person 30 days before Election Day at a county board of elections, the Secretary of State's office, a BMV office or another designated agency (moved to the next business day if it falls on a Sunday or legal holiday).
Same-day registration No
Voter ID An unexpired photo ID is required in person (Ohio driver's license or state ID, BMV interim ID, U.S. passport or passport card, or a U.S. military, Ohio National Guard or VA ID); without one you vote a provisional ballot and must show ID at the county board within four days.
Voting by mail No-excuse absentee voting by mail: the application must reach the county board by close of business seven days before Election Day, and the ballot must be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
Early voting In-person early voting at your county's early vote center begins after registration closes and runs during the 28 days before Election Day.

Checked against the Ohio election office's website on November 8, 2026. Deadlines are for general elections; primaries, runoffs and local elections can differ. Military and overseas voters have their own rules at FVAP.gov.

Official sources

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