Does everyone have to be registered?

• Yes, except for members of the armed forces serving on active duty. Their spouses and dependents are also exempt if they left Ohio to be near the service member.

How can I register?

• By mail on a registration form (Call the Board of Elections office to have a form mailed to you.)
• At any county board of elections or the Secretary of State's website www.sos.state.oh.us
• At any public high school or vocational school
• At the office of any Bureau of Motor Vehicles
• At offices of designated agencies which provide public assistance or disability programs
• At any public library
• At the Clerks of Courts Title Dept or the County Treasurer's office (both in the courthouse)

Mailed registration forms sent to a county board of elections or the Secretary of State's office must be postmarked 30 days before an election to be valid for the election.

Registration forms not mailed in must be received by a board of elections, the Secretary of State's office, office of any Bureau of Motor Vehicles or designated agencies 30 days before an election to be valid for the election. You will be notified by mail, from the Board of Elections, of your new polling place. Please allow four weeks for the notification.
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Do I declare my politics when I register?

• No. Under Ohio law, your party affiliation is determined by the ballot you vote in a primary election.

What if I change my address or name?

If you are now registered and move within the state or same county or change your name, you must report the change to the board of elections. You may report the change:

• By mail on a registration form (Call the Board of Elections office to have a form mailed to you.)
• At any county board of elections or the Secretary of State's website www.sos.state.oh.us
• At any public high school or vocational school
• At the office of any Bureau of Motor Vehicles
• At offices of designated agencies which provide public assistance or disability programs
• At any public library
• At the Clerks of Courts Title Dept or the County Treasurer's office (both in the courthouse)
• By completing a notice of change in voting status and filing it with the court when you apply for a marriage license or when your name is changed by court order

When do forms need to be returned?

Mailed forms sent to a county board of elections or the Secretary of State's office must be postmarked 30 days before an election to be valid for the election.

Forms not mailed in must be received by the board of elections, the Secretary of State's office, office of any Bureau of Motor Vehicles or designated agencies 30 days before an election to be valid for that election.

Exceptions:

If you change your name, and/or move within your precinct or move from one precinct to another within Ottawa County, you may report the change and vote an Absentee Ballot by appearing at the Board of Elections during the absentee voting period; or on Election Day you will go to the polling place for the precinct in which you now reside and vote a Provisional Ballot.

If you move from one county to another in Ohio, you may report the change and vote at the Board of Elections in the county in which you now reside during the absentee voting period, or on Election Day you must vote at the polling place for the precinct in which you now reside and vote a Provisional Ballot.

Please note: You MUST vote in the precinct where you are currently living or your ballot will not count.

If you are moving into Ohio, you must reside in Ohio for 30 days to register to vote in the upcoming election.
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If you have questions regarding:

• Where to vote
• Your currently recorded political party affiliation

Please call the Board of Elections - (419)898-3071 

or toll free

IF calling from a regular telephone IN Ottawa County (not cell phone)

at (800) 697-9807

Registration Closes:   30 days before each Election Day