How to Register to Vote

The first step to exercising your right to vote is to register! Students should know their options for voter registration, when to update their voter registration, and what is needed to register or update their voter registration. Learn more on how to register to vote below.

Who is eligible to vote in Ohio?

You must be:

• A U.S. citizen
• At least 18 year old by Election Day
• A resident of Ohio 30 days before the election

Any Ohio State student who meets the above requirements may register to vote in Ohio utilizing their campus address.

Where can I register to vote and update my voter registration?

Students with an Ohio driver's license or state of Ohio ID can register or update their voter registration online at the Secretary of State's website or on a paper form by mail or by stopping at an OSU Votes table. Students without an Ohio driver's license of state of Ohio ID can register on a paper form by mail or by stopping at an OSU Votes table. The deadline to register or update your voter registration is 30 days before the next election.

When should I update my voter registration?

You can update your voter registration online or by paper form. Remember to update your voter registration when:

• You move to a new address (including changing dorm rooms)
• You have a name change (your legal name must be used for voting in Ohio)

If you are already registered to vote in the state of Ohio, but forget to update your voter registration at least 30 days before the election, you can still vote provisionally in-person on election day at the polling location for your current address.

How can I register and vote in Ohio?

Your options to register and vote in Ohio differ based on the forms of valid photo ID that you have. Please review your options below.

Where do I find out-of state voter information?

Students may choose to vote in their home state. Find your state's voter information at vote.gov.

Learn More About OSU Votes

• How to Vote Absentee
• How to Vote on Election Day
• Civic Engagement
• Events & Outreach
• Interactive Workshops
• Frequently Asked Questions