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By TC Lewis
The contest for presidential power between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump has taken center stage in the American psyche. Just as important as it is to decide who one will vote for, it is equally important to make sure one can actually vote when the time comes. With the Nov. 5 general election coming close, Ohioans should be aware of important voter registration deadlines.
When and How Do I Register to Vote?
The voter registration deadline in Ohio for the Nov. 5 General Election is Oct 7. Eligible residents have three options for voter registration – by mail, in person, and online.
Voter registration forms are online at the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. They can be picked up at any local county board of elections, public libraries, public high schools, any BMV location, and offices of designated agencies, including the Department of Job and Family Services.
Mailed forms must be postmarked no later than Oct. 7. Hand-delivered registrations must be received at the registrant’s county board of elections office on or before Oct. 7.
Online voter registrations can be completed at www.voteohio.gov. An Ohio driver’s license or ID card number, name, date of birth, address, and the last four digits of your social security number are required.
Who is Eligible to Vote?
Eligible voters are U.S. citizens who meet their state’s residency requirements, are 18 years old on or before election day, and are registered to vote by their state’s registration deadline.
Under Ohio law, a registrant must be a permanent resident in a “fixed place of habitation.” Unhoused residents who are regular shelter inhabitants may use that location for voting purposes.
A college student may use their Ohio school residence for voter registration purposes if the student does not intend to return to a different permanent address.
Residents who have misdemeanor convictions, and those with felony convictions who are on probation or parole or who have completed their jail sentence are eligible to vote. Persons incarcerated for felony convictions are not eligible to vote or to register to vote.
Absentee and Early Voting
Ohio voters may choose to vote in any election conveniently from home by requesting an absentee ballot. Requests must be made no later than seven days before the election – Oct. 29. Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 4., and hand-delivered absentee ballots are due at the local county board of elections before 7:30 p.m. which is the closing time of the polls.
Absentee ballot request forms are available online and, once completed and signed, should be mailed to the voter’s county board of elections.
Those who wish to vote in person before election day can cast an absentee ballot at their county board of elections from Oct. 8 to Nov. 3.
To verify and update your voter registration, and for more information on general registration guidelines, visit VoteOhio.org.
TC Lewis graduate of Kent State University, TC has worked in local media, as an on-air radio host, producer and program director for five years at WOVU 95.9 FM