Voter Guide: Procedures on Election Day

When you Vote, bring I.D.

Please note that Ohio regulations require you to show valid identification when you vote at a polling location. You must present one of the following forms of identification, and the name and address must match that on file with your local Board of Elections office (an exception is a driver's license; see below):

  • current and valid driver's license or state ID (these and only these do not need to have your current address)
  • photo identification card showing your name and current address
  • military identification
  • copy of a "current" (within 1 year) utility bill (including cell phone bill), bank statement, paycheck, or government check showing your name and current address
  • or other government document — including from a public college or university — showing your name and current address

For more information, please see the Identification Requirements on the Ohio Secretary of State's website.

Where do I vote?

You cast your ballot at your precinct's designated polling place, unless you vote using a provisional ballot. To find your precinct's polling place, please contact your county Board of Elections. Many counties have websites where you can search for your polling location.

How do I vote?

Instructions for casting a ballot are posted in each polling place. If you have any question about how to mark or cast your ballot, or if you have incorrectly marked or torn a ballot, immediately contact the precinct election officials (poll workers) for instructions before you cast your ballot.

May I receive assistance in voting?

A voter with a physical or mental disability or who is unable to read or write may be assisted by anyone of the voter's choice, except a candidate whose candidacy is being voted on in that precinct, the voter's employer or the employer's agent, or an officer or agent of the voter's union. The voter also may be assisted by two poll workers of different political parties. No one who assists a voter may disclose any information about how that person voted.

How do I establish which political party's ballot I am entitled to vote?

You may vote the primary ballot of the political party with which you currently wish to be affiliated. If you voted the primary ballot of a different political party in 2006 or 2007, you will complete a statement at your polling place confirming the change in your political party affiliation.

May I vote on ballot issues at a primary election without declaring my party affiliation?

Yes. You may vote on the issues and questions, if any, that are on the ballot in your precinct by requesting an "issues-only" ballot.