The Basics of Voting in Ohio
What you need to know about voter ID laws and provisional ballots.
Voter Identification Laws
Ohio has strict voter identification laws. In order to vote in person, you must present a valid form of identification at the polls. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- A driver's license or state ID card
- A military ID card
- A passport
- A utility bill
- A bank statement
If you do not have a valid form of identification, you can still vote provisionally. A provisional ballot is a ballot that is cast by a voter who is not able to provide a valid form of identification. Provisional ballots are counted after the election officials have verified the voter's identity.
Provisional Ballots
If you are unable to provide a valid form of identification at the polls, you can cast a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are counted after the election officials have verified the voter's identity.
To cast a provisional ballot, you must:
- Sign an affidavit stating that you are who you say you are
- Provide your address
- Provide your date of birth
The election officials will then verify your identity by checking your signature against the signature on your voter registration form. If your signature matches, your provisional ballot will be counted.
More Information
For more information about voter identification laws and provisional ballots in Ohio, please visit the website of the Ohio Secretary of State.
