Voter Checklist
Take the uncertainty out of voting with PBS Western Reserve’s voting checklist, supported by information from the state’s official resource hub, VoteOhio.gov.
- Check voter registration – Check voter registration here.
- Register if needed – Register here.
In Ohio, voters must register 30 days before Election Day. Voters must also update their registration if their address, name or political party changed since they last voted or registered.
- Request an absentee ballot if needed – Request an absentee ballot here.
Voters who are disabled, in the military, overseas or hospitalized may need to fill out a unique absentee ballot request form. Learn more about absentee voting here.
- Research the ballot
Sample ballots are available through county board of elections websites. Easily navigate to current sample ballots using the Ohio Secretary of State’s clickable map and directory. For a more in-depth look at where candidates stand on the issues, consider using the free, nonpartisan Vote411 tool.
- Find the polling place
Easily find polling locations using the Ohio Secretary of State’s clickable map and directory.
- Bring identification on election day
Valid photo identification is required to vote in Ohio. Options include an Ohio driver’s license, State of Ohio ID card, a U.S. passport or U.S. military ID card. Learn more about what is and is not acceptable for voter identification here.
- Vote!
Keep reading for more information on the election schedule, voting with a disability, military and overseas voting, and early in-person voting.
Poll working
Poll workers are some of the unsung heroes of the country’s electoral process, and the role is always in high demand. In Ohio, volunteers can even be paid to be a poll worker! Those who have an interest in being an essential part of the electoral process or learning something new that has a positive impact on their community should consider signing up to become a poll worker. Follow this link to sign up or learn more.
Ohio Elections Timeline
Blue = Primary
Red = General
April 6, 2026
Deadline to register for Primary Election
April 7, 2026
Absentee Voting by Mail Begins
Early In-Person Voting Begins
April 28, 2026
8:30 PM
Absentee Ballot Applications Must Be Submitted
May 5, 2026
Polls open 6:30 AM–7:30 PM
Primary Election Voting Day
October 5, 2026
Deadline to register for General Election
October 6, 2026
Absentee Voting by Mail Begins
Early In-Person Voting Begins
October 27, 2026
8:30 PM
Absentee Ballot Applications Must Be Submitted
November 3, 2026
Polls open 6:30 AM–7:30 PM
General Election Voting Day
Early In-Person Voting Hours & Locations
Early in-person takes place at county boards of elections. Discover early voting locations using the Ohio Secretary of State’s clickable map and directory.
Primary Election Early In-Person Voting Hours
April 7 to 10: 8 AM to 5 PM
April 13 to 17: 8 AM to 5 PM
April 20 to 24: 8 AM to 5 PM
April 27: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
April 28: 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM
April 29 to May 1: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
May 2: 8 AM to 4 PM
May 3: 1 PM to 5 PM
Special Election Early In-Person Voting Hours
July 7 to 10: 8 AM to 5 PM
July 13 to 17: 8 AM to 5 PM
July 20 to 24: 8 AM to 5 PM
July 27: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
July 28: 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM
July 29 to July 31: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
August 1: 8 AM to 4 PM
August 2: 1 PM to 5 PM
General Election Early In-Person Voting Hours
October 6 to 9: 8 AM to 5 PM
October 12 to 16: 8 AM to 5 PM
October 19 to 23: 8 AM to 5 PM
October 24: 8 AM to 4 PM
October 26: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
October 27: 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM
October 28 to 30: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM
October 31: 8 AM to 4 PM
November 1: 1 PM to 5 PM
Voting with a Disability
Accessibility is required at the ballot box, and nothing should prevent eligible voters from voting with a disability. Voters with disabilities have a variety of voting pathways from absentee, early in-person options, and assistance on Election Day. If a polling location is exempt from accessibility requirements and voters who are disabled cannot physically enter the building, they may vote curbside. Follow this link for more resources and information on voting with a disability.
Military & Overseas Voting
Voting access for military and overseas citizens is required under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act (MOVE). Military and overseas voters can register and request their absentee ballot by completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). A suggested timeline of the UOCAVA absentee voting process is available on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website.
Visit FVAP.gov/ohio to complete the form, see election deadlines and access further assistance.