Getting ready to vote while you're in college doesn't have to be complicated. Our College Voting 101 guide walks you through the three easy steps to register, make a voting plan, and cast your ballot with confidence.
Learn more: College Voting 101
College Voting 101
Voting while you're in college is easier than you might think. The biggest thing is to make a plan ahead of time!
Step 1: Register to Vote
Register to vote, or update your voter registration, by the deadline. In Ohio, voter registration closes 30 days before the election.
Fun Fact! In Ohio, you can register to vote when you are 17 years old as long as you will be 18 by the General Election in the fall.
There are two ways to register to vote.
Option 1: Register Online
You can register online through the Ohio Secretary of State's website. To register online, you must provide both:
- Your Ohio driver's license or Ohio state ID number
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
If you do not have both forms of identification, you will need to use the paper registration form.
Option 2: Register with a Paper Form
You can print and complete a voter registration form. Once you fill it out and sign it, you can:
- Mail it to your County Board of Elections
- Bring it to your County Board of Elections in person
- Have a trusted volunteer or another individual deliver it for you
If you use the paper form, you will need to provide either:
- Your Ohio driver's license or Ohio state ID number
- Your military ID number
- Or the last four digits of your Social Security number
Which address should I use?
Register using the address where you live most of the year. This could be:
- Your campus residence hall
- An off-campus apartment or house
- Your parents' or family's home address
Choose the location where you want to vote.
Already registered?
Fantastic! Check your voter registration to make sure your information is correct and your address is up to date before Election Day.
Step 2: Decide How You Want to Vote
In Ohio, you have three ways to cast your ballot.
Option 1: Vote on Election Day
Election Day is always held on a Tuesday in May or November. When you register to vote, you are assigned a polling location based on your registration address. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can check your county Board of Elections website to find your polling place.
What ID can I use?
You can vote using:
- Ohio driver's license
- Ohio state ID card
- Military ID
- U.S. Passport
Your ID must match your name, but it does not have to match the address where you are registered to vote.
You cannot vote using another state's driver's license or state ID card.
Option 2: Vote Early In Person
Can't make it on Election Day? Early voting is a great option. Early voting begins about four weeks before Election Day. Early voting takes place at your County Board of Elections.
- Check your county Board of Elections website for exact dates and hours.
- There is usually one weekend with Saturday and Sunday voting available.
- There is no early voting on the Monday before Election Day.
You must bring:
- Ohio driver's license
- Ohio state ID
- Military ID
- Or a U.S. Passport
Option 3: Vote by Absentee Ballot (Mail Voting)
If you are unable to vote in person, or simply prefer to vote by mail, you can request an absentee ballot. You do not need an excuse to vote absentee in Ohio.
Step 1: Apply for your ballot
You must first complete an Absentee Ballot Application. Applications for the next election become available the day after the previous election. You can fill out the application online, print it, and sign it using blue or black ink.
You will need to provide either:
- Your Ohio ID number
- Or the last four digits of your Social Security number
You can submit your application by:
- Mailing it to your County Board of Elections
- Bringing it to the Board of Elections yourself
- Having a trusted volunteer or another individual deliver it for you
The sooner you apply, the better!
Step 2: Complete your ballot
County Boards of Elections begin mailing absentee ballots about four weeks before Election Day. When your ballot arrives:
- Read all instructions carefully.
- Use blue or black ink.
- Complete and return it as soon as possible.
You can return your completed ballot by:
- Delivering it to your County Board of Elections
- Using the official Board of Elections drop box
Only you or a trusted individual may return your completed ballot. Employers, candidates appearing on the ballot, and union representatives are not permitted to return your ballot. Your absentee ballot must be received by the Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Many counties, including Franklin County, offer an absentee ballot tracker so you can monitor the status of your ballot.
College Student Tip
If you are attending college out of state and want to vote in Ohio, the League of Women Voters recommends voting by absentee ballot. This can help you avoid needing to obtain an Ohio photo ID, which could impact your out-of-state driver's license or state ID.
Step 3: Research Your Ballot
The last step before you vote is learning about the candidates and issues that will appear on your ballot. Use Vote411.org for:
- Nonpartisan election information
- Candidate answers to questions
- Ballot issue explanations
- Pro and con statements
- Your personalized ballot information
An informed voter is an empowered voter!