Ready to vote, Ohio? Here are the dates and details to know
Everything you need to know to vote in the upcoming election including, registration deadlines, early voting hours, mail ballot rules, and photo ID requirements.
What’s on the ballot?
Races include Ohio governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, statewide offices, state lawmakers, county executive, county council and judges. Voters will also decide State Issue 3, a proposed constitutional amendment concerning voter photo identification, and local issues.
In a general election, you can vote for candidates from any party, regardless of your affiliation.
Use the county’s voting information lookup to preview your precinct’s sample ballot.
Check your voter registration by Monday October 5th
The deadline to register for general election is this Monday, October 5th. The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections will remain open until 9 p.m. that day for voter registration.
Even if you’re already registered, check your registration to make sure your information is current, especially if you’ve moved or changed your name.
You can register online or update your address. To register online, you’ll need your Ohio driver’s license or state identification card number, name, birth date, address and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you don’t have the information needed to register online, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s registration page for a paper form and instructions.
Mailed registration forms must be postmarked by THIS MONDAY October 5th
You can also register in person at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, located at 1803 Superior Ave. in Cleveland.
Early voting begins Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Early in-person voting begins on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, 1803 Superior Ave in Cleveland.
For voters juggling work, school and family responsibilities, the schedule includes evening hours, two Saturdays and the Sunday before Election Day.
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| Oct. 6-9 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Oct. 12-16 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Oct. 19-23 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Saturday, Oct. 24 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Monday, Oct. 26 | 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| Oct. 28-30 | 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, Oct. 31 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Sunday, Nov. 1 | 1 to 5 p.m. |
Early in-person voting ends at 5 p.m. Monday November. 1st. Check the county’s early voting page before making the trip.
Voting by mail? Know both deadlines
Any registered Ohio voter with current registration information can vote by mail. To receive an absentee ballot, you must first complete and return an application. An application mailed to your home is not an actual ballot.
Cuyahoga County voters can request or print an absentee ballot application or call 216-443-8683 for assistance. The county’s website also provides instructions and a tool to track your ballot.
For mail voting, identification options include the last four digits of your Social Security number. Follow the application’s instructions for other accepted options.
There are two important deadlines:
- Oct. 27 at 8:30 p.m.: Your county board of elections must receive your absentee ballot application.
- Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.: Your county board of elections must receive your completed regular absentee ballot, whether it is returned by mail or in person. A postmark for on November 3rd will no longer alloww your vote to be counted.
A postmark alone does not meet the return deadline for regular absentee ballots. Allow enough time for your ballot to arrive. Military and overseas voters have separate rules and deadlines.
Cuyahoga County voters can also return their ballots using the secure drop box in the Board of Elections parking lot at 1803 Superior Ave. The drop box is available 24 hours a day, but ballots must still be received by the Election Day deadline.
Bring an accepted photo ID when voting in person
For in-person voting, Ohio requires an accepted, unexpired photo ID that includes your name and photograph.
Accepted forms include:
- An Ohio driver’s license or state ID card.
- An interim identification form issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
- A U.S. passport or passport card.
- A U.S. military ID card, military dependent ID card, Ohio National Guard ID card or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs ID card.
Utility bills, bank statements, out-of-state driver’s licenses and Ohio mobile IDs are not accepted as voting identification.
If you cannot provide an accepted photo ID, you can receive a provisional ballot. For that ballot to be eligible to count, the Ohio Secretary of State says you must present acceptable identification to the Board of Elections within four days after Election Day. A separate process applies to voters with religious objections to being photographed.
Review the full voter ID requirements before voting if you have questions about your identification.
What is a provisional ballot?
A provisional ballot allows voting when eligibility needs verification. Reasons can include an outdated address, missing ID or a prior absentee ballot request. Valid provisional ballots count in final results after the board confirms eligibility.
Check your polling place before Election Day
Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. If you vote in person on Election Day, go to your assigned polling location.
If you’re in line at 7:30 p.m., you can still vote.
Some polling locations have changed in Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, East Cleveland, Garfield Heights, Highland Heights, Maple Heights, Parma Heights and Solon. Even if you’ve voted at the same location for years, take a moment to confirm where you should go. Use the county’s polling location lookup or review its list of polling location changes.
Where to get help
For questions about voting in Cuyahoga County, contact the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections at 216-443-8683. The county’s election FAQ page offers additional guidance.
Statewide voting information is available at VoteOhio.gov or by calling the Ohio Secretary of State’s office at 614-466-2655.
Interested in working at the polls? Visit the county’s Election Day workers page for information.
This guide is based on official Ohio Secretary of State and Cuyahoga County Board of Elections information verified Oct. 1, 2026.
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