Ohio (OH)

Eligibility

Age: 18 (may register at 17 if turning 18 by election day)

ID Requirements

To Register: OH driver's license or state ID number, or last 4 of SSN. If neither, write "NONE" and a unique ID is assigned. BMV registrations require documentary proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document); other registration channels (mail, online, board of elections) require only a citizenship attestation. BMV requirement is under legal challenge.

To Vote: Photo ID required

Registration Methods

• Online: Residents can submit a voter registration application electronically through the state's website, rather than by mail or in person.
• Mail: Residents can register to vote by completing a paper registration form and submitting it by mail to the appropriate election office.
• In Person: Residents can register to vote by visiting a designated government office, such as a county clerk's office or DMV, and completing a registration form on site.

Early Voting ⓘ

A period before Election Day during which voters can cast their ballots in person at designated polling locations. The length of the early voting period varies by state.

In-person early voting begins 29 days before election day at county boards of elections.

Mail-In / Absentee Voting ⓘ

A voting method where ballots are automatically mailed to all registered voters without requiring a specific request. States that use this approach conduct elections primarily or entirely by mail.

No-excuse absentee voting by mail available for all registered voters. Note: SB 293 (Dec 2025) eliminated the post-Election Day grace period — absentee ballots must now be received by close of polls on Election Day.

Felony Voting Rules ⓘ

State laws governing whether and when people with felony convictions can vote. Policies range from no restrictions to permanent disenfranchisement, with most states restoring rights at some point after sentencing.

Rights restored upon release from prison.

Documentation Needed

• Valid photo ID
• OH DL number or last 4 of SSN

Sources

• Ohio Official Election Website
• Vote.org - Ohio