Elections Frequently Asked Questions

Voter Eligibility and Residency Requirements

Find answers to the most common questions about voter registration, residency, and eligibility in Ohio.

Qualifications to Register and Vote

You are qualified to register and vote in Ohio if you meet all of the following:

• You are a U.S. citizen.

• You have been an Ohio resident for at least 30 days immediately before the election.

• You are 18 years old on or before the next general election.

• If you are 17, you may vote in a primary election if you will be 18 by the general election, but you cannot vote on issues or party central committees.

• You are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction under state or federal law.

• You have not been permanently disqualified from voting for election-law violations.

• You have not been declared incompetent to vote by a probate court.

Once registered, you become eligible to vote in elections held in your precinct after 30 days. During that period, you may also vote early in person or by mail using an absentee ballot.

Defining Your Voting Residence

Your voting residence is your permanent, fixed home — the place where you intend to return whenever you are away. Your residence determines which districts, offices, and ballot issues you can vote on.

If you do not have a traditional home address, you may use the location of a shelter or other regular residence as your voting address.

When Ohio Is Not Your Voting Residence

You are not considered an Ohio resident for voting purposes if:

• You have moved to another state and registered or voted there.

• You have established a permanent residence in another state.

• You have lived continuously outside Ohio for four years or more.

Exceptions — When You Keep Your Ohio Residence

You remain an Ohio resident for voting if:

• You temporarily leave Ohio with the intent to return.

• You are serving with the U.S. government or the State of Ohio.

• You are living overseas but intend to keep Ohio as your legal residence.

If you were born abroad or live outside the United States but have a parent or guardian who last resided and voted in Ohio, that parent or guardian’s last Ohio address counts as your voting residence.

For questions about residency, contact your county board of elections.

Military and Overseas Voters

If you are a member of the U.S. military, or the spouse or dependent of one, your voting residence is the Ohio address where you lived before leaving for service.

College Students

If you are a college student living in Ohio, you may register and vote from your school address if you intend to make it your permanent residence. Doing so replaces any previous voting address.

It is illegal to register or vote from more than one address.

Voting After a Criminal Conviction

• If you are incarcerated for a felony, you cannot register or vote during incarceration.

• If you have two convictions for violating election laws, you are permanently barred from voting in Ohio.

• If you are convicted of a misdemeanor, you retain your right to vote.

• If you have a felony conviction but are on probation, parole, or community control, or have completed your sentence, you can register and vote.

If your voter registration was canceled due to incarceration, you must re-register by the registration deadline before voting again.

Related Questions

• How do I register to vote in Ohio?

• How do I vote if I am in the military or overseas?

• Can college students vote from their school address?

Voter Registration in Ohio

Learn how to register to vote, update your registration, and check your voter information.

How to Register to Vote in Ohio

You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person.

Online Registration

Visit VoteOhio.gov to register or update your voter registration online.

Register by Mail

• Download and print the Voter Registration Form.

• Sign the form and mail it to your county board of elections or the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.

• You may also request that a form be mailed to you.

Returning Your Voter Registration Form

By Mail

Send your completed and signed form to your county board of elections or the Secretary of State’s office. 

Your form must be postmarked no later than the voter registration deadline to be eligible for the next election.

In Person

Deliver your signed form to:

• Your county board of elections (office or drop box)

• The Secretary of State’s office

• A BMV office, library, high school, vocational school, county treasurer, or designated NVRA agency

If someone delivers your form for you, they must submit it within 10 days of completion or by the registration deadline, whichever is sooner.

The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA)

The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 expands voting access by allowing voter registration at the BMV and certain public service agencies. Designated Agencies Include:

• Department of Job and Family Services

• Department of Health (including WIC programs)

• Department of Mental Health

• Department of Developmental Disabilities

• Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

The Secretary of State’s office provides training, resources, and voter registration materials to these agencies.

Helpful Resources:

• Voter Registration Instruction Manuals for Designated Agencies

• Voter Registration Instruction Manual for County Offices of Job and Family Services

• Voter Registration Instruction Manual for BMVs

• Voter Registration Notification Poster

Voter Registration Deadlines

Ohio law requires registration at least 30 days before an election. If the deadline falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, it extends to the next business day. 

Signing Your Voter Registration Form

You must sign your registration form. A signature may include:

• Your written name in cursive or your usual legal mark

• An “X” or other mark, if witnessed and signed by another person in the signature box

If You Cannot Sign:

If you are physically unable to sign because of a disability, you may either:

• Appoint an attorney-in-fact to sign on your behalf using Form 10-F or Form 10-G.

• Use assistive technology or a signature stamp as a reasonable accommodation.

• Indicate your intent to register verbally or otherwise, and have the assisting person sign and attest on your behalf.

Updating Your Registration After Moving

If you move within Ohio, submit a new voter registration form to update your address. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person.

Your county board of elections will send confirmation of your update. If your form is incomplete, they will contact you for corrections.

If your valid form is received or postmarked by the registration deadline, you will vote a regular ballot. If submitted after the deadline, you may vote a provisional ballot.

Updating Your Name

If you legally change your name, you must update your voter registration.

• Complete the Voter Registration and Update Form by the registration deadline.

• Name changes cannot be completed online—a physical form with your new signature is required.

If you miss the deadline, complete a Notice of Name Change (Form 10-L) and provide one of the following to vote a regular ballot:

• Court order with former and current names

• Marriage license

• Other proof of legal name change showing both names

If you stay within the same precinct, you can also complete Form 10-L at your polling place and cast a regular ballot.

Political Party Affiliation

You do not declare a party affiliation when registering to vote in Ohio. You affiliate with a political party by requesting that party’s ballot in a partisan primary election.

If you do not choose a party, you are considered an unaffiliated voter and may vote only on questions and issues in a primary.

After You Submit Your Registration

Once your application is reviewed and accepted, your county board of elections will register you within 20 business days and mail an acknowledgement notice with:

• Your registration status

• Your voting precinct and polling location

• Identification requirements for voting

If you do not receive confirmation, contact your county board of elections before Election Day.

Check Your Voter Registration Online

You can verify your voter registration, polling location, and status.

If your record is not found or needs correction, submit a new registration form before the deadline.

Verify or Check Voter Registration Status

Find Your Polling Location

Voting on Election Day in Ohio

Find everything you need to know about where to vote, polling hours, and accessibility options on Election Day.

Where to Vote on Election Day

Your county board of elections assigns you a precinct and polling location based on the address in your voter registration.

• When you register, your county board sends a voter notification card listing your polling location.

• If you did not receive or misplaced your card, you can look up your polling place online or contact your county board of elections.

• If you’ve moved without updating your registration, contact your county board for guidance to ensure you receive the correct ballot for your new residence.

If you arrive at the wrong polling location, you’ll be asked to vote using a provisional ballot.

Election Day Voting Hours

All polling places in Ohio are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. 

As long as you are in line by 7:30 p.m., you have the right to vote.

Voter Assistance and Accessibility

Every polling location in Ohio is required to be accessible to voters with disabilities. 

If you need help marking your ballot, notify a poll worker. You may receive assistance from:

• A person of your choice, or

• Two poll workers from different political parties

You cannot be assisted by:

• Your employer or a representative of your employer

• A union representative

• A candidate whose name appears on your ballot

Anyone assisting you must respect your privacy and cannot influence your vote.

Accessible Voting Equipment

All polling places include technology to assist voters with disabilities, such as:

• Audio ballots

• Braille and tactile lettering

• Large-print and zoom screen options

• Adjustable color contrast

• Adjustable screen height or tilt

• Sip-and-puff devices

• Touch-screen or button navigation

Curbside Voting

If you are physically unable to enter a polling location due to a disability, you may vote curbside:

• Two election officials from opposite major parties will bring your ballot to your vehicle or to the door.

• To vote curbside during early voting, contact your county board of elections in advance to make arrangements.

• On Election Day, you may send someone inside to notify poll workers that you wish to vote curbside.

Voting While Hospitalized

If you or your minor child are hospitalized on Election Day due to an unforeseen accident or medical emergency:

• Submit a completed absentee ballot request to your county board of elections by 3:00 p.m. on Election Day.

• If you are hospitalized in the same county where you are registered, you can receive and return your ballot through:

• Two board of elections representatives, or

• A qualifying relative (spouse, parent, sibling, child, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or in-law).

A qualifying relative may both deliver your ballot and return your completed ballot to the board office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

If you are hospitalized outside your home county, you can return your ballot by mail or through a qualifying relative. Absentee ballots sent by mail or returned in person must be received by the Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

Voting for Military and Overseas Citizens

If you are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or living overseas, you can still vote in Ohio state and local elections. Federal laws protect your right to vote while away from home:

• Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA)

• Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act)

Ohio law extends these federal protections to state and local elections.

Military and Overseas Voting Resources

• Military & Overseas Publications

• Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP)

Voting with a Disability

If you are homebound or have a disability that prevents you from voting in person:

• Complete Form 11-I: Application for Absent Voter’s Ballot by a Confined Voter or a Voter with a Personal Illness, Physical Disability, or Infirmity.

• You may submit your absentee ballot request beginning January 1 of the election year or up to 90 days before the election, but no later than seven days before Election Day.

Accessible Ballot Options

If you have a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you can use a ballot marking system provided by your county board of elections to mark your ballot privately and independently.

If you cannot sign your name due to a disability:

• You may appoint an attorney-in-fact to sign for you using approved forms (Form 10-F or Form 10-G), OR

• Use a signature stamp or assistive technology to complete your signature.

Absentee Voting in Ohio

Ohio voters can vote before Election Day by mail or in person through the absentee voting process. Learn how to request, complete, and return your absentee ballot.

What Is an Absentee Ballot?

An absentee ballot allows you to vote by mail or in person before Election Day. 

You must request an absentee ballot—Ohio does not automatically mail them to voters.

Who Can Vote Absentee?

Any registered Ohio voter with up-to-date information can vote absentee. No reason is required to vote absentee in Ohio.

When Can I Request an Absentee Ballot?

• By mail: You can request your absentee ballot starting January 1 of the election year or 90 days before an election, whichever comes first.

• You must submit a separate application for each election.

• In person: After voter registration closes (30 days before Election Day), you may request and vote absentee at your county board of elections or designated early voting center.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot

You must complete the official Application for Absent Voter’s Ballot provided by the Ohio Secretary of State. You can:

1. Request an application from your county board of elections.

2. Download and print the application.

   • Fill in your information online, print, sign, and return it.

3. Return your completed application by:

   • Mail (allow time for delivery and processing), or

   • In person (at your county board of elections).

Your county board must receive your application no later than close of business seven days before Election Day.

How to Vote by Absentee Ballot

Voting by Mail

1. Read all ballot instructions carefully.

2. Mark your selections as directed.

3. Place your completed ballot in the identification envelope.

4. Print your name and address, provide acceptable ID (driver license number, last four digits of SSN, or copy of ID), and sign the envelope.

5. Seal the identification envelope and place it inside the return envelope.

6. Add correct postage and mail it as soon as possible to allow for postal delivery by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

You or a relative may also hand-deliver your ballot to your county board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

By Early In-Person Voting

You may vote early in person at your county’s early voting center. 

Why the Identification Envelope Matters

The identification envelope acts as your check-in process for mailed ballots. It verifies your identity just as if you were voting in person and presenting ID at your polling place.

Returning Your Absentee Ballot

Ohio law requires all non-UOCAVA ballots to be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

By Mail

• Ensure your return envelope includes sufficient postage.

• Return your voted ballot as soon as possible. Ohio law requires all absentee ballots to be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

In Person

• You or a near relative may deliver your completed ballot to your county board of elections or your county board of elections's drop box by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

• Most counties provide a secure drop box, available 24/7 until polls close on Election Day. Only the voter may use the dropbox to return their personal absentee ballot.

If You Requested an Absentee Ballot but Vote in Person on Election Day

If you request an absentee ballot and later decide to vote in person on Election Day, you must cast a provisional ballot. 

Your vote will be counted once election officials confirm that your mailed absentee ballot was not returned or counted.

Tracking Your Absentee Ballot

You’ll receive a tracking number with your absentee ballot. Track your ballot status through your county board of elections or the state tracking system.

Hospitalized Voters

If you or your minor child is hospitalized after the absentee deadline and before 3 p.m. on Election Day:

• Submit Form 11-B to your county board of elections by 3 p.m. on Election Day.

• If hospitalized in your county, two election officials can deliver and return your ballot, or a qualified relative may do so.

• If hospitalized outside your county, return your ballot by mail or by a qualified family member.

Military and Overseas Voters

Under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act, military and overseas citizens can vote in Ohio’s federal, state, and local elections.

• Military and Overseas Voters Publications

• Learn More About Military and Overseas Voters

• Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP)

Voters with Disabilities

Voters with disabilities or confined due to illness can vote absentee using Form 11-F or Form 11-I.

Options Include:

• Vote by mail or through two board of elections employees who deliver and return your ballot.

• Request to use a remote ballot marking system by submitting Form 11-G, allowing you to mark your ballot privately and independently.

• If unable to sign your name, appoint an attorney-in-fact using Form 10-F or 10-G, or use assistive technology such as a signature stamp.

You may request your absentee ballot starting January 1 or 90 days before the election, and no later than noon on the Saturday before Election Day.

Provisional Voting in Ohio

If there’s a question about your eligibility at the polls, you can still vote using a provisional ballot. This ensures that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot while election officials verify eligibility after Election Day.

What Is a Provisional Ballot?

A provisional ballot is used when there’s uncertainty about a voter’s eligibility. 
The ballot looks the same as a regular one, but it’s set aside until election officials confirm that you’re eligible to vote and voted in the correct precinct. Once verified, your vote is counted in the official results.

When You’ll Be Asked to Vote Provisionally

You may be required to cast a provisional ballot on Election Day if:

• Your name does not appear in the pollbook for your precinct.

• An election official cannot confirm your eligibility to vote.

• You don’t have valid photo identification.

• You are listed as having already requested an absentee ballot.

• Mail from election officials to your registered address was returned as undeliverable.

• Your registration has been challenged and the hearing is pending or resolved against you.

• Poll workers believe your signature doesn’t match your registration record or suspect voter impersonation.

• You changed your name and/or moved to a different precinct without updating your address by the voter registration deadline.

• You changed your name and don’t have proof of the legal name change.

• You received a confirmation notice due to a database mismatch in your registration information, and you failed to provide the requested information more than 14 days before the election.

If You Recently Changed Your Name

If your name has changed but your address hasn’t, you can vote a regular ballot by showing proof of your legal name change, such as a marriage license or court order. You’ll complete a simple change-of-name form at your polling place.

Where to Cast a Provisional Ballot

Before Election Day

If you’ve moved within Ohio but didn’t update your registration before the deadline (30 days before the election), you can vote provisionally in person at your county board of elections or an approved early voting location beginning 28 days before Election Day.

On Election Day

You must vote at your assigned polling place based on your current address. 
If you moved to a new precinct and didn’t update your registration, you can vote provisionally at:

• Your county board of elections, or

• Another location designated by the board for provisional voting.

Ensuring Your Provisional Ballot Counts

After Election Day, your county board of elections reviews every provisional ballot to confirm eligibility and voter identity.

• If you provided acceptable ID when you voted, typically no further action is needed.

• If you did not show ID, you must present an approved form of identification to your county board of elections within four days after Election Day for your vote to count.

All photo IDs must include:

• Your name

• Your photograph*

• An unexpired expiration date

*If you object to being photographed for religious reasons, you may complete an affidavit of religious objection to have your vote counted. If your eligibility was challenged, you must provide any supporting documentation or ID needed to resolve that challenge.

How to Check if Your Provisional Ballot Was Counted

After voting provisionally, you’ll receive a Provisional Ballot Notice that includes a tracking phone number:

📞 (866) OHIO-VOTE (866-644-6868)

Starting the day after the election, you can call this number to check:

• Whether your vote was counted, and

• If not, the reason why.

The notice will also explain if additional information or ID is required to validate your ballot.

Voting as a College Student in Ohio

Whether you're staying in Ohio for school or studying in another state, you may be able to vote from your campus address or your home address, depending on where your permanent address is located. Learn more about residency requirements for voter registration here.

Voting from Your Campus Address (In Ohio)

If you attend college in Ohio, you may register and vote using your campus residence address if you consider it your permanent address and do not intend to return elsewhere.

Key points:

• Register to vote with your campus address at least 30 days before an election.

• Once registered at your campus address, that location becomes your official voting residence and replaces your prior one.

• It is illegal to register and vote from two different addresses.

• Contact your county board of elections for help with registration questions related to your school’s county.

Voting from Your Campus Address (Outside Ohio)

If you attend school in another state and wish to vote from your college address there:

• Contact the election office in your school’s county or state to learn how to register.

• Your college address in that state becomes your permanent address for voting.

• To avoid duplicate registrations, cancel your Ohio voter registration by contacting your Ohio county board of elections.

Voting from Your Hometown Address

Though you may be living on or near campus during the school year, you can participate in your hometown elections even from out of state. You can do so by maintaining your permanent home address as your voting residence and casting your ballot by:

• Vote absentee by mail: Request an absentee ballot from your home county board of elections.

• Vote early in person: Visit your home county board of elections during the 28 days before Election Day.

• Vote on Election Day: Cast your ballot at your assigned precinct polling place in your hometown.

When You Leave College

After graduation or moving away from campus, be sure to update your voter registration.

If you’re staying in Ohio:

• Update your address online using the Ohio Online Change of Address System.

• If your living situation is temporary, you may request an absentee ballot using:

• Your permanent address as the registration address, and

• Your temporary address as the ballot mailing address.

If you’re leaving Ohio:

• Cancel your Ohio voter registration by contacting your former county board of elections.

Military & Overseas Voters (UOCAVA)

Ohio follows the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act, which protect the voting rights of U.S. service members and citizens outside of the U.S. These federal laws—incorporated into the Ohio Revised Code—allow military and overseas voters to register, request, and return ballots securely and efficiently for federal, state, and local elections.

Who Qualifies as a Military or Overseas Voter

You are eligible under UOCAVA if you are:

• An active or reserve member of the U.S. Armed Forces

• A member of the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service

• A member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

• A member of the U.S. Merchant Marine

• A U.S. citizen residing overseas

• Eligible U.S. citizens outside of the U.S.

• An eligible spouse or dependent of anyone listed above

What Is the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)?

The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) is a form that lets you register to vote and request absentee ballots for all elections in a single calendar year. You can complete it online at FVAP.gov or use the form provided in the Ohio Military Ready-to-Vote packet.

When and How to Apply

You can submit your FPCA any time of year, but submitting it early ensures timely ballot delivery.

• You may send your FPCA starting January 1 of the election year or 90 days before an election, whichever comes first.

• Your completed FPCA must reach your county board of elections no later than seven days before Election Day.

• Once received, your FPCA remains valid for all elections that calendar year unless you specify otherwise.

How to Submit Your FPCA

You can submit a completed and signed FPCA in any of the following ways:

• By Mail: Send via U.S. mail, APO/FPO facility, or U.S. embassy/consulate (postage-paid).

• By Fax: 614-485-7690

• By Email: [email protected]

To be valid, the FPCA must be completed and signed.

Receiving Your Absentee Ballot

When you fill out your FPCA, select your preferred delivery method:

• Mail

• Fax

• Email (fastest option)

Ballots are sent based on your chosen method once they become available.

If You Don’t Receive Your Ballot

If you requested a ballot but have not received it close to Election Day, use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup.

1. Download the FWAB at FVAP.gov.

2. Fill it out following the same rules for absentee ballot return.

3. Refer to your county board’s election notice (available online) to know which offices, candidates, and issues appear on your ballot.

Returning Your UOCAVA Voted Ballot

Ballots must be returned by mail or courier delivery service (UPS, FedEx, USPS).

• You cannot return ballots by fax or email.

• An absentee ballot must arrive at your board of elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day if delivered in person. A UOCAVA ballot returned by mail must be received by your county board of elections no later than four days after the election.

• Allow time for mailing and delivery, especially from outside the U.S.

Tracking Your Ballot

Your county board of elections will provide a tracking number when your ballot is sent. 

Track your absentee ballot status to confirm receipt.

Declaring Party Affiliation for Primary Elections

Ohio law requires voters to declare a political party if they wish to vote in that party’s primary election. 

If you do not declare a party, you will receive a nonpartisan ballot containing only questions and issues.

Finding Ballot Issues and Candidates

Before each election, your county board of elections publishes an election notice listing all candidates, questions, and issues. 

You can request a copy or view it online at your county board’s website.

Election Results

After the election, certified results are posted.

“I Vote in Honor of a Veteran”

The I Vote in Honor of a Veteran initiative celebrates military service and civic participation. 

Ohio citizens can receive a commemorative pin honoring veterans and service members by submitting a short testimonial. 

👉 Submit your testimonial here to receive your pin and honor those who serve.

Quick Reference for Military & Overseas Voters

Accessible Voting in Ohio

Ohio is committed to ensuring that every eligible voter can cast a ballot privately, independently, and securely. The following information explains the options and accommodations available for voters who may need assistance due to disability, illness, or hospitalization.

If You Need Help Voting

If you require assistance marking your ballot, tell a poll worker at your voting location.

You may receive help from:

• A person of your choice, or

• Two poll workers (each from a different political party)

However, the following people cannot assist you:

• Your employer or anyone representing your employer

• A union representative

• Any candidate whose name appears on your ballot

Anyone assisting you must not influence your vote or disclose how you voted.

Accessible Voting Locations

All polling places in Ohio are required by law to be fully accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Help America Vote Act (HAVA).

Each polling location must include:

• Accessible parking

• Barrier-free entrances and routes to the voting area

• Accessible voting machines

Assistive Technology Options

Accessible voting equipment may include:

• Audio ballots

• Braille and tactile lettering

• Large print or zoom text

• Adjustable screen height or tilt

• High-contrast display settings

• Sip-and-puff devices

• Touch-screen or push-button navigation

If you have specific accessibility needs, contact your county board of elections before voting to ensure the right equipment is available.

Requesting an Accessible Absentee Ballot

Voters with qualifying disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may use a remote ballot marking system to vote privately and independently.

To request this option, complete Form 11-G (Application for Accessible Absentee Ballot) and submit it to your county board of elections.

Voting While Hospitalized, Unforeseen Hospitalization

On Election Day

If you or your minor child are hospitalized due to an accident or unforeseeable medical emergency that occurred after the close of business on the seventh day before Election Day and before 3p.m. on Election Day, you can still vote.

1. Submit Form 11-B (Absentee Ballot Application for Medical Emergencies) to your county board of elections by 3 p.m. on Election Day.

2. If hospitalized in your home county, you may:

   • Receive and return your ballot through two board of elections officials, or

   • Have a qualified family member deliver and return your ballot.

3. If hospitalized outside your county, your ballot may be returned by mail or delivered by a qualified relative.

Curbside Voting

If you cannot physically enter your polling place during early voting or on Election Day, you may vote curbside.

How It Works

• Send someone inside to notify poll workers that you wish to vote curbside.

• Two election officials from opposite major parties will bring your ballot to your vehicle.

• You may vote from your car and return the completed ballot to the officials.

Some polling places have designated parking spaces for curbside voters. 

It’s recommended—but not required—to contact your county board of elections before arriving.

Confined Voters or Voters with Disabilities, Illness, or Infirmity

If you are unable to travel to your polling place due to disability, illness, or confinement, you may vote by absentee ballot.

• Submit Form 11-I (Application for Absent Voter’s Ballot by Confined Voter) beginning January 1 or 90 days before an election, whichever comes first.

• The deadline to apply is 8:30 p.m. seven days before Election Day.

• You may receive and return your ballot by mail or through two board of elections employees who deliver and return it for you.

For questions about accommodations or confined voter procedures, contact your county board of elections.

Signature Options

Your signature is required on most election forms, including voter registration and absentee ballot requests.

Acceptable Signature Options:

• Signing your name in your handwriting

• Making an “X” or other mark, witnessed and signed by another person

If You’re Unable to Sign:

1. Appoint an Attorney-in-Fact

   • Use Form 10-F or Form 10-G to authorize someone to sign on your behalf in your presence.

2. Use Assistive Technology

   • Affix your signature using a signature stamp or other reasonable accommodation.

3. For Voter Registration Only

   • Indicate your desire to register verbally or otherwise; the assisting person must sign and attest to your intent.

Summary of Voter Accessibility Options

For more information or assistance, contact your county board of elections or the Ohio Secretary of State’s office at 877-767-6446.

Voting in Person: What to Bring and How to Cast Your Ballot

What to Bring When You Vote

When you vote in person in Ohio, the only item you need is an acceptable form of identification.

Bring one of the following to your polling place:

• A valid Ohio driver license or state ID card

• A U.S. passport or passport card

• A military dependent ID, Ohio National Guard ID, or Department of Veterans Affairs ID

Your ID must include your name, photo, and an unexpired expiration date.

How to Cast Your Ballot

Clear instructions for marking and casting your ballot are posted at every polling place.

If you:

• Have questions about how to mark or submit your ballot, or

• Accidentally mark your ballot incorrectly,

notify a poll worker immediately. Election officials are there to help ensure your ballot is completed and counted correctly.

General Questions on Identification and Voting in Ohio

Learn what identification you need to bring to vote, what happens if you don’t have photo ID, who qualifies as a “near relative,” and how to use a secure election drop box.

Acceptable Forms of Identification

Ohio law requires voters to present a valid, unexpired photo ID that includes their name and photograph.

Accepted forms of ID:

• Ohio driver license

• State of Ohio ID card

• Interim ID form issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

• U.S. passport or passport card

• U.S. military ID card

• Military dependent ID card

• Ohio National Guard ID card

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ID card

If you forget which IDs are accepted, each polling place has a poster listing approved identification types for reference.

If You Don’t Have Photo Identification

If you are unable to provide an accepted photo ID at the polls, you may still vote using a provisional ballot.

For your provisional ballot to count, you must present one of the approved forms of ID to your county board of elections within four days after Election Day.

Religious Objection to Photographs

If you do not have a photo ID due to a religious objection to being photographed, election officials will provide an Affidavit of Religious Objection (Form 12-O).

• You may complete this form when you cast your provisional ballot or at your county board of elections within four days after Election Day.

• The affidavit will be attached to your ballot to ensure it is properly verified and counted.

What Is a Qualified (Near) Relative?

Under R.C. 3509.05, a qualified or near relative includes:

The voter’s spouse or the voter’s father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, grandfather, grandmother, brother, or sister of the whole or half blood, or the son, daughter, adopting parent, adopted child, stepparent, stepchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece.

Qualified relatives may assist with certain election materials, such as delivering an absentee ballot.

What Is a Drop Box?

Most Ohio counties provide a secure election drop box for a voter to return their own personal ballot.

Drop Box Security

• Drop boxes are under 24-hour video surveillance.

• Items are collected at least once per day by a bipartisan team of trained election officials.

• Collected ballots are stored in a dual-locked, video-monitored area until processing on Election Night.

• Other materials, such as registration forms and applications, are processed immediately upon retrieval.

Using your county’s official drop box is the safest and most direct way to return election materials on time.

Become a Poll Worker in Ohio

Serving as a poll worker (also known as a precinct election official) is a great way to support your community and help ensure safe, fair, and accessible elections.

Who Can Serve as a Poll Worker?

To serve as a poll worker in Ohio, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Be 18 years or older and registered to vote, or 17 years old and currently in high school

• Be a resident of the county where you plan to serve

• Not be a candidate in the election in which you’re working

• Not have a felony conviction

How Much Will I Be Paid?

Poll workers in Ohio typically earn between $100 and $150, including paid training. 

Depending on your county and position, you could earn up to $200.

How Long Will I Work on Election Day?

Most poll workers:

• Arrive around 5:30 a.m. to prepare for polls opening at 6:30 a.m.

• Stay until after polls close at 7:30 p.m.

You’ll receive breaks during the day, and you don’t need to stand all day. 

Partial shifts are not available.

What Happens After I’m Accepted as a Poll Worker?

Once accepted:

1. You’ll attend a paid training session.

2. Your county board of elections will assign you to a polling location.

3. If you’re sick or unable to attend on Election Day, contact your board of elections as soon as possible.

When and How Long Is Training?

Training lasts about three hours and is paid.

Counties offer sessions on weekdays, weeknights, and weekends for flexibility.

If I Sign Up, Am I Obligated to Work?

No — signing up expresses your interest in serving. 
Your county board of elections will review your eligibility and contact you with next steps.

If you’re assigned to a polling place but become ill or can’t serve, notify your board of elections immediately.

Continuing Education Credit

Certain professionals—such as attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs)—may earn continuing education credits for serving as poll workers.

To receive credit:

• Include your professional registration number (e.g., attorney ID) when signing up and checking in on Election Day.

• Your county board of elections will send verification to your licensing or professional association.

For more information, contact your professional organization or county board of elections.

Extra Credit for Students

If your school offers extra credit for civic participation, you may be eligible for credit after serving as a poll worker.

Ask your teacher or school administrator first. Your county board of elections can verify your attendance at training and your Election Day service.

Minimum Age to Be a Poll Worker

In Ohio, you can serve as a poll worker if you are:

• At least 17 years old, and

• Enrolled in high school

This is part of Ohio’s Youth at the Booth program, encouraging students to participate in elections.

Can I Serve If I Have a Felony Conviction?

No. Under Ohio law, you cannot serve as a poll worker if you have been convicted of a felony or violated election laws.

Election Observers in Ohio

Election observers help ensure transparency, integrity, and public confidence in Ohio’s elections. Observers may be appointed to watch various parts of the election process, including voting, counting, and recounting of ballots.

Am I Eligible to Be an Election Observer?

To serve as an election observer in Ohio, you must meet these requirements:

• You must be a qualified elector in the State of Ohio.

• You do not need to be registered to vote in the same county where you are appointed.

• Uniformed officers and candidates appearing on the ballot may not serve as observers.

How to Become an Election Observer

Election observers are appointed by:

• Political parties

• Any group of five or more candidates

• Ballot issue committee recognized by the board as supporting or opposing a ballot issue

Each observer must have two official forms for their appointment completed by their appointing authority: a notice of appointment and a certificate of appointment. These can be found on our Forms and Petitions page.

1. Form 214-A Notice of Appointment

2. Form 214-B Certificate of Appointment

Six Types of Election Observers

Observers may be appointed to serve during the following election activities:

1. In-person absentee voting at early vote centers

2. Election Day voting and ballot counting at assigned precincts

3. At the county board of elections before the Official Canvass

4. The Official Canvass (post-election ballot verification)

5. A recount

6. A post-election audit

Before serving, each observer must take an official oath:

“You do solemnly swear that you will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties as an official observer, assigned by law; that you will not cause any delay to persons offering to vote; and that you will not disclose or communicate to any person how any elector has voted at such election.”

What Does an Election Observer Do?

Observers are present to watch and document the election process — not to influence it.

Observers may:

• Move freely within the polling place or election facility where ballots are being cast, processed, counted, or recounted.

• Report any concerns to the county board of elections.

Observers may not:

• Enforce election laws

• Advocate for or assist voters

• Interfere with the duties of poll workers or election officials

Conduct Expectations

Observers must maintain professionalism, neutrality, and respect for voters, poll workers, and election officials.

Devices (phones, cameras, and recording devices) may not be used to take photographs, videos, or to record or transcribe any conversations within the polling location. The observer may not have an audible conversation inside the polling location using a mobile device or phone. He or she may send and receive text messages, email, instant messages, and similar other nonverbal electronic communication using a communication device, or audio/video device. The observer may not use the communication device or audio/video device in any way that creates a disruption or disturbance within the polling location.

Where and When Observers Serve

Observers may be present:

• Before, during, and after Election Day voting hours

• At designated election offices, precincts, or vote centers

Only one observer per appointing authority (party, candidate, or group) may be assigned to an early voting location or precinct on Election Day.

Restrictions and Prohibited Conduct

Observers must follow strict conduct rules. The following actions are not allowed:

• Handling ballots or voting equipment

• Slowing or disrupting polling place operations

• Campaigning or distributing political materials

• Blocking or delaying voters entering or leaving the polling place

• Intimidating, harassing, or attempting to influence voters or poll workers

• Carrying firearms or weapons of any kind

• Violating ballot secrecy or voter privacy

Election observers who violate these rules may be removed from the polling location under Ohio law.

Precinct election officials are responsible for:

• Maintaining peace and good order at the polling place

• Protecting official observers from harassment or interference

Quick Reference: Election Observer Guidelines

For more information or forms, contact your county board of elections or visit VoteOhio.gov.

Myths About Voting and Voters with Disabilities

The Ohio Secretary of State makes sure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard—whether voting early, in person on Election Day, or by mail.

Your vote matters. Your voice counts.