Register to Vote

The deadline to register to vote in Ohio is 30 days before Election Day. For the upcoming general election on Nov. 5, you must register by Oct. 7.

Find out more about registering to vote as an Ohio resident or as an out-of-state student below.

 

How to Register

It’s important to know where you plan to vote to decide how to register.

Register to Vote in Kent Using Your Residence Hall Address

 

To cast a ballot in Ohio, you must be pre-registered; you can’t just walk in and show ID. Keep in mind that you must register to vote by the deadline, Oct. 7. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to vote in this election, but you can prepare to register for the next one.

 

How to Register Using a Residence Hall Address

You have two options for registering to vote: online or using a paper form. Registration using the paper form is strongly encouraged.

1. Online Registration

Ohio residents can register to vote online using an Ohio driver's license or state ID. While it will not provide you with an opportunity for a quality check, online registration is instant and more convenient.

Register to vote online.

2. Paper Form Registration

Alternatively, you can register using a paper form with your Driver's License number, State ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. To obtain a paper form, either click the button below or visit the Services Desk located on the first floor of the Kent State Library.

Tips for Filling Out Your Form

  • Make sure the written name matches your ID (including hyphens and special characters)
  • For the address field, use the name of your residence hall. Write “[Room Number] [Residence Hall Name].” Do not use the physical address of the residence hall.
    • Example: 322 Lake Hall
  • For the additional address field, use 1375 Eastway Drive, Kent, OH 44243
  • Make sure that you enter the county, not country
  • Make sure that you provide your ID number
  • The date next to the signature is not date of birth, but date of signature

Once your form is complete, drop it off at the circulation desk on the first floor of the Kent State Library or submit it directly to the Portage County Board of Elections before the registration deadline of Oct. 7.

A Sample Ballot for the upcoming U.S. Election for students who live on campus.

 

Access a PDF copy of Ohio's Paper Voter Registration Form:

Ohio Paper Voter Registration Form

Register to Vote in Kent as an Off-Campus Student

To cast a ballot in Ohio, you must be pre-registered; you can’t just walk in and show ID. Keep in mind that you must register to vote by the deadline, Oct. 7. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to vote in this election, but you can prepare to register for the next one.

 

How to Register in Kent as an Off-Campus Student

You have two options for registering to vote: online or using a paper form. Registration using the paper form is strongly encouraged.

1. Online Registration

Ohio residents can register to vote online using an Ohio driver's license or state ID. While it will not provide you with an opportunity for a quality check, online registration is instant and more convenient.

Register to vote online.

2. Paper Form Registration

Alternatively, you can register using a paper form with your Driver's License number, State ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. To obtain a paper form, visit the Services Desk located on the first floor of the Kent State Library.

Tips for Filling Out Your Form

  • Make sure the written name matches your ID (including hyphens and special characters)
  • For the address field, use your Kent-area address
    • If you live in an apartment complex or community, check with your leasing office and/or complex staff to identify the proper address format to use
  • Make sure that you enter the county, not country
  • Make sure that you provide your ID number
  • The date next to the signature is not date of birth, but date of signature

Once your form is complete, drop it off at the Services Desk on the first floor of the Kent State Library or submit it directly to the Portage County Board of Elections before the registration deadline of Oct. 7.

Access a PDF copy of Ohio's Paper Voter Registration Form:

Ohio Paper Voter Registration Form

Register to Vote in Ohio as an Ohio Resident

To cast a ballot in Ohio, you must be pre-registered; you can’t just walk in and show ID. Keep in mind that you must register to vote by the deadline, Oct. 7. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to vote in this election, but you can prepare to register for the next one.

 

How to Register in Ohio as an Ohio Resident

You have two options for registering to vote: online or using a paper form. Registration using the paper form is strongly encouraged.

If you're a U.S. citizen currently residing in Ohio, you can register to vote online at the Ohio Secretary of State's website. Please note that you will need Photo ID to register to vote using the online form. You may also register to vote using a paper form, which asks only for the last four digits of the voter's Social Security Number.

1. Online Registration

Ohio residents can register to vote online using an Ohio driver's license or state ID. While it will not provide you with an opportunity for a quality check, online registration is instant and more convenient.

Register to vote online.

2. Paper Form Registration

Alternatively, you can register using a paper form with your Driver's License number, State ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Contact your local board of elections to see where to obtain and submit your paper forms. In Portage County, a form can be obtained from the circulation desk on the first floor of the Kent State Library and submitted there or to the Portage County Board of Elections.

Tips for Filling Out Your Form

  • Make sure the written name matches your ID (including hyphens and special characters)
  • For the address field, use your Ohio address
  • Make sure that you enter the county, not country
  • Make sure that you provide your ID number
  • The date next to the signature is not date of birth, but date of signature

Access a PDF copy of Ohio's Paper Voter Registration Form:

Ohio Paper Voter Registration Form

Register to Vote in Kent as an Out-of-State Student

Any student who is a U.S. citizen has the legal right to register to vote here in Kent, provided that you live here most of the year IF, AND ONLY IF, YOU HAVE A PASSPORT WITH YOU AS YOUR FORM OF ID.

To cast a ballot in Ohio, you must be pre-registered; you can’t just walk in and show ID. Even if you are pre-registered,  you must have a passport as your form of ID. Keep in mind that you must register to vote by the deadline, Oct. 7. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to vote in this election, but you can prepare to register for the next one.

 

How to Register in Kent as an Out-of-State Student

Unless you plan to be at home on Election Day where you could vote in person while following your home state’s process, it is advised for you to request that your home state send an absentee ballot to your campus address, complete the ballot, and mail it back to the appropriate office at home.

Although requesting an absentee ballot is the most reliable option, you can choose to register online or with a paper form.

Online Registration

  • Requires an Ohio driver’s license or Ohio identification card number. If you’re an out-of-state student, obtaining an Ohio driver’s license or state ID is an option, but it requires surrendering your home state license and could affect your financial aid, insurance policies, and more.
  • To register online, please visit the Kent State Portal.

Paper Form

  • Alternatively, you can register using a paper form with the last four digits of your Social Security number, Driver's License number or State ID number.
  • To obtain a paper form, visit the circulation desk located on the first floor of the Kent State Library, or download and print the paper form from the Secretary of State's website.

Tips for Filling Out Your Form

  • Make sure the written name matches your ID (including hyphens and special characters)
  • For the address field, use your Kent-area address
  • Make sure that you enter the county, not country
  • Make sure that you provide your ID number
  • The date next to the signature is not date of birth, but date of signature

Access a PDF copy of Ohio's Paper Voter Registration Form:

Ohio Paper Voter Registration Form

Register to Vote from Home as an Out-of-State Student

How to Register from Home as an Out-of-State Student

Are you planning to be in your home state and voting in your hometown? Every state has different laws about voter registration, deadlines, and identification requirements. It’s best to check with your home state’s secretary of state’s election website for the information most relevant to you.

  • Vote411.org has information for all states and can point you in the right direction.
  • To register online or gain more information about your home state, please visit the Kent State Portal and provide your home address.

Reminder

Unless you plan to be at home on Election Day where you could vote in person while following your home state’s process, it is advised for you to request that your home state send an absentee ballot to your campus address, complete the ballot, and mail it back to the appropriate office at home.

Registration Status & Eligibility

Registration Status

If you're unsure about your voter registration status, it's important to verify it ahead of time. Confirming that your registration is current and correct helps ensure that you can participate without any issues on Election Day. Check your voter registration status.

Eligibility

You can vote in U.S. elections if you:

  • Are a U.S. citizen
  • Meet your state’s residency requirements
    • You can be experiencing homelessness and still meet these requirements
    • College students are entitled to register and vote in the community that they regard as their principal residence
  • Are 18 years old on or before Election Day
    • In almost every state, you can register to vote before you turn 18 if you will be 18 by Election Day (this is the case in Ohio)
  • Are registered to vote by your state’s registration deadline (Ohio’s is Oct. 7)