OHIO — The Buckeye State's early voting starts on Oct. 8, the day after voter registration closes.

What You Need To Know

  • Those who plan to vote early, in person or on Election Day must bring a valid photo ID

  • Additionally, local boards of elections will begin mailing out absentee ballots on Oct. 8 for those who requested them

  • Election Day is Nov. 5, and polls in Ohio will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

“Bipartisan election officials across Ohio made a commitment to ensure we're fully prepared for this high-profile election. With one week until the start of early voting, I can confidently say that we are prepared for voters to begin heading to their early voting centers and begin receiving their requested absentee ballots,” said Secretary of State Frank LaRose in a release. “Tedious preparation is the key to executing any successful election, and Ohioans can have confidence that no matter which of Ohio’s three convenient methods of voting they choose, their vote will be secure.”

Those who plan to vote early, in person or on Election Day must bring a valid photo ID. Here's what that can include:

  • Driver's license
  • State of Ohio ID card
  • Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV
  • Passport
  • Passport card
  • Military ID card, including the National Guard
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card

Additionally, local boards of elections will begin mailing out absentee ballots on Oct. 8 for those who requested them. LaRose encourages Ohioans to return their ballots as soon as possible, postmarked no later than Nov. 4. They must be received by the board of elections no later than four days after Election Day.

Election Day is Nov. 5. Polls in Ohio will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

For other important dates during this election cycle, click here.

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