Early Voting in Ohio: Key Dates for the 2024 Election
Ohio voters will play a crucial role in selecting the next U.S. president, choosing congressmembers, and deciding on the control of the state’s legislative redistricting process during the 2024 general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. This election will determine whether control shifts from a commission led by politicians to one appointed by the people.
Important Registration Deadlines
The deadline to register to vote in Ohio is just weeks away, falling on Monday, Oct. 7, which is 30 days before Election Day. Tuesday, Sept. 17, is National Voter Registration Day, encouraging all voting-age Americans to participate in the democratic process by registering to vote.
To check if you’re registered and to find your local polling place, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
New Voter Registration Rules
As of 2023, Ohio’s voter registration rules have changed. If you need to register, you must provide your Ohio driver’s license or state ID number and the last four digits of your Social Security number, along with your name, address, and date of birth.
Voting by Mail
To vote by mail, also known as absentee voting, you can request an absentee ballot from your local board of elections office. If you are already registered, the Ohio Secretary of State’s office may have mailed a ballot to your registered voting address.
- Application Deadline: Your absentee ballot application must be returned to your local elections office by 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
- Ballot Return Deadline: Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 5, and received by your local elections office by Friday, Nov. 9.
You will need to provide an acceptable form of ID to vote by mail. After mailing your ballot, you can track its status through your local elections board website.
You can also drop off your absentee ballot at your county board of elections office or in its drop box until the polls close at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. If you didn’t receive your absentee ballot, check with your local board of elections.
Voting in Person
Early in-person voting in Ohio begins on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Most counties conduct early voting at their board of elections office, which is often less crowded than polling places on Election Day.
Early Voting Schedule
- Oct. 8-11: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Oct. 14-18: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Oct. 21-25: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Oct. 26: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Oct. 27: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Oct. 28: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 29: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Oct. 30-Nov. 1: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 2: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Nov. 3: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Note: Nov. 4, the day before Election Day, is no longer an early voting day.
On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can find your polling place using the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
Identification Requirements for Voting
To vote in person, you must bring an acceptable form of identification:
- A valid Ohio driver’s license or state ID
- A U.S. military ID, National Guard ID, or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID with your name and photo
- A U.S. passport or passport card (accepted since 2023)
Note: Utility bills, bank statements, and other documents cannot be used for voter ID verification. If your ID doesn’t show your current address, it’s acceptable as long as your voter registration has your current address.
If you don’t have an ID, you can cast a provisional ballot. You’ll need to provide an acceptable form of ID to your local elections board office by Friday, Nov. 9.
Finding Your Polling Place
To find your local elections office or polling place, refer to the list of county board of elections offices.
| Ashland County | Ashtabula County | Columbiana County |
|---|---|---|
| Cuyahoga County | Erie County | Geauga County |
| Huron County | Lake County | Lorain County |
| Mahoning County | Medina County | Portage County |
| Richland County | Stark County | Summit County |
| Trumbull County | Tuscarawas County | Wayne County |
Additional Resources
If you have further questions, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website for a list of voter resources and frequently asked questions.
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