Voter Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I register to vote?

No right we possess as American citizens is as dear as that of the secret ballot. Voting allows each citizen to have his or her voice heard. Voting preserves the freedom we Americans cherish.

Must I be a U.S. citizen and a resident to register to vote in Ohio?

You must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Ohio for at least thirty (30) days before the election and you must have registered to vote in Ohio at least thirty (30) days before the election.

How do I register to vote?

You may register to vote simply by following the directions on our Registration page, which includes giving: your intent to register, your name, birth date, citizenship status, age, current address and signature.

Do I have to register before every election?

No. Once you register to vote, you never have to register again. Remember: You must keep your registration accurately updated for changes that may occur in your life such as a move or a name change.

Must I have an ID with me to register to vote?

Identification is not required to register to vote in Ohio.

Can I register to vote anywhere as long as it is in Ohio?

Yes, you may register at any approved registration site in the State of Ohio, but you must vote in the county and precinct where you reside. It is a felony to knowingly make application or attempt to register in a precinct in which you are not a qualified voter. The system in our country is based on the premise of "one person, one vote."

How old must I be to be able to register to vote?

You must be 18 years old on or before the day of the general election and 18 years old on or before the day of the general election to vote in a primary for candidates only.

Must I declare a political party affiliation when I register?

No. However, when you vote in a primary election, your vote will determine your party affiliation.

Where may I register to vote?

You may register to vote at the following locations:

• The Office of the Secretary of State of Ohio, or the Secretary of State Client Services Center, 30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio
• The Board of Elections office in your county (listed in the phone book under "Government Offices — County.")
• Any Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles office or BMV registrar
• Any public or vocational school
• Public libraries
• Your county treasurer's office
• You may also be able to register at sites such as: union-affiliated offices, or at get-out-to-vote rallies at special locations

How may I request a voter registration form?

You may request a voter registration form by mail, or by calling or visiting your county Board of Elections. You may obtain a form via mail by contacting the Office of the Secretary of State of Ohio or by visiting the Ohio Secretary of State Client Services Center. Anyone may pick up a registration form for you.

Persons registering by mail after January 1, 2003, must provide identification information when attempting to vote for the first time, unless the person provides his/her current Ohio driver's license number or the last four digits of his/her social security number on the registration form. The identification information is either:

• a copy of a current and valid photo identification; or
• a copy of a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document showing name and address.

Is there a deadline for sending in the registration form?

In order to vote in an upcoming election, the properly completed voter registration form must be postmarked thirty (30) days before the upcoming election to be valid.

Do I have to be registered in the county that I consider my residence in order to vote?

Yes.

How do I find out if I am still registered if I have not voted in a long time?

Contact your county Board of Elections for information specific to your situation. Please note that the Office of the Secretary of State does not have specific, individual registration information on file — only county boards of elections have that information.

Can I register to vote if I am a felon?

Yes, if you are not currently incarcerated.

Can a homeless person register to vote?

Yes.

What form do I fill out to change my address or my name?

You must complete an Ohio Voter Registration Form at any registration site. The registration form is available for you to obtain when you file for a marriage license, or with the court when you change your name.

I registered, but I never received a notice from the Board of Elections that I am registered. How do I find out if my new registration was really processed?

It is a good idea to confirm your registration status with your local board of elections by the registration deadline, which is 30 days before Election Day.

How do I find out where to go to vote?

Please see our Polling Places section for more information. Be sure to verify your polling location early in the election season.

Where do I go to actually vote?

You must go to your assigned polling place in your county precinct.

How do I find out if my polling place has moved?

Contact your Board of Elections in your county. If the polling place has relocated, the county Board of Elections is required to send you a notification in the mail of the new location.

If I am disabled, how do I vote?

For hearing impaired citizens, you may call TTY (614) 466-0562 to get information on how to cast a ballot. If you have a physical or mental disability, call your county board for information or assistance.
For more information, please see the Ohio Legal Rights Services website.

Can I vote in an upcoming election if I just moved to Ohio?

Yes, if you properly completed and submitted an Ohio voter registration form in the 30 days prior to the election. You should contact your county Board of Elections to confirm your registration status if you are uncertain.

Can I vote if I moved within my voting precinct?

Yes. If you are registered, you must report to your assigned precinct on Election Day and complete A Notice of Change of Address and make other changes, if applicable, and vote a regular ballot.

Can I vote if I changed my name and/or moved within my voting precinct?

Yes. If you are registered, you must go to your assigned precinct on Election Day and complete A Notice of Change of Name and A Change of Address and make other changes, if applicable, and vote a regular ballot.

Can I vote if I moved within the county during the last 28 days before the election?

Yes, if you are registered, you must go to your county Board of Elections office during regular office hours, complete A Notice of Change of Address and make other changes, if applicable, and vote a provisional ballot, which is similar to an absentee ballot.

Can I vote if I moved within my county on Election Day?

Yes, if you are registered. You may:

1. go to your new polling location, or
2. go to your county Board of Elections office, or
3. go to another site designated by your county Board of Elections. You must complete and sign A Notice of Change of Address (and make other changes, if applicable), and
4. vote a provisional ballot.

If I moved from one Ohio county to another Ohio county during the 28 days before an election, can I vote?

Yes, if you are registered. You may:

1. go to the county Board of Elections office in your NEW COUNTY during regular office hours, complete and sign a new voter registration form, and
2. vote a provisional ballot.

If I moved on Election Day from one Ohio county to another Ohio county, can I vote?

Yes, if you are registered. You may choose to:

1. go to the county Board of Elections in your new county, or
2. go to another site designated by the Board of Elections in your new county; and
3. complete and sign a new voter registration form, and
4. vote a provisional ballot.

How close to the date of an election can I change my address and still vote?

You may vote if you follow the examples listed above. Generally, you may vote if you completed the appropriate notices of change during the 28 days before a primary election or if you completed and submitted the appropriate change forms during the 25 days before a presidential primary election.

Is it too late to register to vote?

IT IS NEVER "TOO LATE" TO REGISTER TO VOTE. However, you cannot vote in today's election unless you are registered.

Can you tell me where to go vote today?

You must call your county Board of Elections. Only your county Board of Elections has information regarding the location of your polling place.

Can I still vote if I forgot to register?

No. You must have properly completed and submitted a voter registration form at least thirty (30) days before the election.

Can I do an absentee ballot today — Election Day — because I can't make it to the polls?

You may vote by absentee ballot only if you are in the hospital with a medical emergency and the request for an absentee ballot is made before 3:00 PM ON ELECTION DAY.

Can I make changes to my voter registration information at the polls on Election Day when I go to vote?

Yes.

I made a mistake. Can I vote again?

Yes. If you made an error while voting, let a poll worker know it. They can assist you in recasting your vote properly.

Can I ask a poll worker a question about the voting process if I am confused about how to use the equipment?

Yes. Poll workers can help you at the site. If you can, before the election, contact your county Board of Elections and ask for written instructions on how to use the equipment if you do not know how or feel less than confident in using it.

Can someone stand in the voting booth with me when I cast my vote?

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, an employer or his/her agent, or an officer or agent of the voter's union. The voter may be assisted by two poll workers of opposite political parties. No one who assists a voter may disclose any information about how that person voted.

How do I get to the polls to vote if I don't have a way to get there?

Your local political party offices, the local League of Women Voters, veteran's organizations and many other community resources will be able to advise and are located in the phone book or are announced in the media on Election Day.

Can I still vote if I am standing in line at 7:30 p.m. when the polls close?

Yes. The poll workers must allow you the opportunity to vote if you are waiting in line at your correct polling location when the polls close.

Remember: As a voter, you have the responsibility to ask questions and to get them answered if you are confused about the voting process and to check your ballot for accuracy before you cast it.

What has been done to guarantee a fair and objective electoral process?

Secretary of State Blackwell has made voting standards and policies uniform across Ohio and has taken steps to ensure that voters' rights are protected and respected. Some examples include uniform standards that govern how to count punch card ballots, how to conduct recounts should they occur, to make sure every voter — and every vote — is treated equally across the state, and a variety of voter education materials, available free of charge, including the 2005 Ohio Voter Information Guide that outlines the rights of voters, a "take one card" that features useful information for voters using punch card equipment, a poster to inform voters about how to make sure their votes count, and a Web site with video demonstrations of how to vote on equipment used in Ohio's counties.

How are the needs of the disabled being provided for?

It is critically important that all Ohio voters have equal opportunity on Election Day. The Office of the Secretary of State has addressed the needs of physically challenged voters to ensure that they can fully participate in the process. Additional assistance will be provided to voters with disabilities at polling places, and the Office of the Secretary of State is working to ensure that all polling places are accessible to all disabled persons. This includes, but is not limited to, wheelchair accessibility.

Why do voting methods vary from county to county?

Ohio gives county Boards of Elections a voice in selecting voting equipment for local use and does not assume "one size fits all." This allows for local input and local decision-making, which means that the type of equipment used may vary from county to county.

How will I know that my vote counts this Election Day?

It's up to each of us to make sure our voice is heard on Election Day.

• Know how to vote using the equipment in your precinct. A video demonstration of voting equipment is available.
• Trained poll workers are there to help you. Double-check your ballot when you are finished voting, to make sure you voted the way you intended. If you make a mistake, you may request a new ballot. Ohio voters can be confident in their electoral system. The Office of the Secretary of State has taken many steps to make sure the elections are fair and impartial, and that every vote — and every voter — is treated fairly and equally.

Where can I find out if I am registered?

Contact your county Board of Elections.

Where can I find out where I will vote?

Contact your county Board of Elections.