Good things come in threes, but how about fours? Somehow, four years have passed since 2020, which means another leap day, another Summer Olympics (normally), and another election season.
When does Ohio vote?
The Ohio primary election is March 19, and if your voter registration is up to date, it is time to make your plan to cast your vote. You don’t have to wait until March 19 to vote. (Not sure if you’re registered? Check your voter registration status here.)
How to navigate early voting
The Summit County Board of Elections, located at 500 Grant St., is holding in-person absentee voting leading up to the election.
In-person early voting times
- March 4 – 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- March 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- March 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- March 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- March 13 – 15 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- March 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- March 17 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
How to cast your vote by mail
The Board of Elections began mailing ballots Feb. 21, but absentee ballots can be requested until March 12. Request one as soon as possible to give yourself enough time to fill it out and return it before the deadline.
Read more: How to research the candidates on Ohio’s March 19 primary ballot
Print a request form and mail it to the Summit County Board of Elections or call the office at 330-473-5200. Printed forms can be sent to “Summit County Board of Elections Absentee Department” at 470 Grant St., Akron, OH 44311.
Once you receive your absentee ballot, return it promptly to the address above with postage and postmark. The ballot must be postmarked by March 18 and received within four days of the election. You can track the status of your mailed absentee ballot online.
The mail-in ballots can also be dropped off at the Summit County Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on March 19.
How to vote on election day
The polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on March 19. You can find your polling location on the Board of Elections website.
Identification requirements
Ohio requires voters to provide proof of identification when voting. IDs must not be expired, but they do not have to include your current address if it is printed in the list of registered voters. Voters are no longer allowed to substitute utility bills, bank statements, paychecks or other documents for a valid photo ID.
Valid types of identification:
- Ohio driver’s license or state ID
- A U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
- U.S. military, Ohio National Guard or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card
- Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV
If you forget your ID, you may cast a provisional ballot.
