COLUMBUS, Ohio — There are currently more registered voters in 2024 than in both the 2022 and 2020 general election, according to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.
Almost 8.1 million Ohioans have already registered to vote, but for those who still might need to register, here is what you need and where you can go.
- You can register online, in person or by mail
- To register online, you need an Ohio driver's license or Identification card number, your name, date of birth, address and the last four digits of your social security number
- If you choose to mail in your registration, you can access Ohio's registration form at voteohio.gov and fill it out online or visit your county board of elections to have them help you fill it out for you
- All mail in registrations have to be postmarked by Oct. 7
- You can also visit your county board of elections to register
Voter purging has been a concern this election cycle. Sherry Poland with the Hamilton County Board of Elections said it’s a lengthy process to purge a voter. They are flagged after two years of voter inactivity which could be as simple as signing a petition. After two years, a voter will receive a letter to confirm proof of residence. A voter is not purged unless there is a total of six years of no voter initiated activity.
“If the voter does not send the confirmation notice back and does not have any activity for an additional four years, then the voter is sent another notice, again asking them to confirm that they're still here,” said Poland. “If there's no response to that, then the voter is removed so it's a very long process with several notifications sent to the voter.”
All registration information can be found on the secretary of state’s website.
“Every Ohioan should visit voteohio.gov this week and confirm they are ready to make their voice heard. The process is quick, convenient, and a vitally important part of your planning to exercise your right to vote this November," Secretary of State Frank LaRose said in a statement.