College Voting 101

College Voting 101

Voting while in college isn't difficult, but it you do have to make some decisions and plan ahead.

Decide whether you want to vote in the election at your home address or your school address. 

Register to vote, or update your address, by the voter registration deadline (30 days before the next election)

Check to see that you are registered to vote

Decide how you want to cast your ballot:

At your polling place on Election Day between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.  You can check your county's Board of Elections  web site to find your polling place.  Remember to bring ID.

**If you are out of state college student and want to vote in Ohio, LWV recommends that you vote absentee with a mail in ballot to avoid having to get a qualifying Ohio Photo ID that may impact your out of state drivers license or out of state ID.**

Apply for a mail-in absentee ballot.  You must print, fill out, sign, and mail in the form.  Then your county Board of Elections will mail you a ballot.  You vote the ballot an mail it back to the Board of Elections, postmarked no later than 7 days before the election.  It is a good idea to request your absentee ballot sooner rather than later, and remember that you will need stamps.

You can track the progress of your absentee ballot application and voted ballot.

Early in-person at your county Board of Elections.  Here are the dates and times for early voting.

Care-Enough-To-Vote Care Package