Election season is upon us — Ohio voters have until Oct. 5 to register to vote or update their voter registrations before the Nov. 3 General Election.
If you’re not sure whether you’re registered, checking your status is the first step. Here’s how Akron and Summit County voters can confirm their registration, register for the first time or update their information before the deadline.
When is the deadline to register to vote for the November election?
The deadline to register to vote or update your registration for the Nov. 3 election is Monday, Oct. 5.
Changes made after the deadline will apply to a future election.
Registration forms mailed to the Summit County Board of Elections must be postmarked by the deadline. Forms submitted in person must be received by the deadline.
How do I check my voter registration status in Akron?
If you’re unsure whether you’re registered, check your record before filling out a new registration form.
Ohio’s Secretary of State has an online voter lookup tool where voters can review registration information, including whether records are active and whether their names and addresses are correct.
Check your Ohio voter registration here.
If information is incorrect or registration is no longer active, voters can submit new or updated registration before the Oct. 5 deadline.
After submitting an update, check voter records again to make sure the information has been updated.
What if I was removed from the voter rolls?
If you haven’t voted in a while, or aren’t sure whether your registration is still active, start with the voter lookup tool rather than assuming you need to register from scratch.
If you cannot find your record or the information is incorrect, submit a new registration or update your existing information before the deadline.
Voters who submit a registration application should receive an acknowledgment from Summit County’s Board of Elections after the application is processed. If you do not receive confirmation, contact the board of elections before Election Day.
How do I register to vote in Ohio for the first time?
Ohio residents can register online, by mail or in person.
To register online, you’ll need:
- An Ohio driver license or Ohio identification card number
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Address
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
Register to vote online through Ohio’s Secretary of State.
If you don’t have the information required to complete an online registration, you can use Ohio’s paper voter registration form. The form must be signed and submitted to the appropriate election office.
Download Ohio’s voter registration form.
Where can I register to vote in Summit County?
Summit County residents can register or submit a voter registration update at the Summit County Board of Elections, as well as other designated locations throughout Ohio.
The Summit County Board of Elections is located at 1050 E. Tallmadge Ave.
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Phone: 330-643-5200 or 330-643-5422
- Email: summit@OhioSoS.gov
Registration forms can be submitted in person at a county BOE, the Secretary of State’s office, BMV locations, public libraries, high schools, vocational schools, county treasurers’ offices and designated agencies.
Who can register to vote in Ohio?
To register in Ohio, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be an Ohio resident for at least 30 days immediately before the election.
- Be at least 18 years old by the next general election. A 17-year-old may vote in a primary election if they will be 18 by the following general election but cannot vote on issues or for party central committees.
- Not be incarcerated for a felony conviction. People on probation, parole or community control may register and vote.
- Not have been permanently disenfranchised for violating election laws.
- Not have been declared incompetent to vote by a probate court.
How do I get an absentee ballot in Summit County?
(Editor’s note: This year’s mailing of absentee ballot request forms to Ohio’s registered voters are arriving amid President Donald Trump’s push to give the federal government more control over voting by mail. Read more about what it could mean here.)
Ohio voters who are registered and have up-to-date information can vote by absentee ballot without providing a reason. Absentee voting by mail begins Oct. 6 for the Nov. 3 general election.
Your completed absentee ballot must be received by Summit County’s Board of Elections by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. You can return your ballot by mail or in person. Voters can return ballots to the BOE’s drop box outside the building or inside the office before polls close on Election Day.
Do not return your voted absentee ballot to your neighborhood polling place. It will not be counted there.
Military and overseas voters have additional options and deadlines.
Ohio absentee voting information
Ohio military and overseas voting information
What happens if I move before the election?
If you move, make sure your voter registration reflects your current address. Updating your registration before the Oct. 5 deadline can help ensure you are assigned to the correct precinct and receive the appropriate ballot.
Voters who have moved should use Ohio’s voter lookup tool to check their current registration information and update it if necessary.
What time are polls open on Election Day?
Ohio polling places are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
If you are in line at your polling place by 7:30 p.m., you have the right to vote.
If you go to the wrong polling location, you may be required to cast a provisional ballot. If that happens, be sure to follow up with your local Board of Elections to make sure they have the information they need to process your ballot.
