Written by Alex Rak
As seniors, the last few years have been packed with firsts. Among the most memorable might be your first drive alone, your first dance, your first lunch out, or your first shift at a job. All of us have surely pondered submitting our first college applications- yet another milestone nearly reached- but have you considered when you’ll vote for the first time?
Although registering to vote may not be as pressing as your other priorities at the moment, it is certainly not unimportant. Voting allows individuals to have a say in their government, from shaping legislative actions to the appointment of political representatives. Democracy relies on the active participation of citizens. When you vote, you contribute to preserving our country’s democratic institutions. Voting is one of the easiest ways to ensure your voice is heard.
Registering to vote is easier than you might think. Here’s how you can do it in Ohio.
Eligibility:
First, make sure you meet the requirements for voter registration. The three major requirements are:
1. You must be a citizen of the United States.
2. You must be at least 18 years old on or before the next general election. (Our next general election at the time of writing is November 7th, so you may not be eligible to vote yet)
3. You must be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days immediately before the election in which you want to vote.
Although there are some other requirements, they almost certainly do not apply to you.
Ohio’s Voter Registration System:
Fortunately, Ohio residents can use the state’s Voter Registration System. This relatively new system is a much easier means of registration, although physical registration forms can still be used.
The Voter Registration page on Ohio’s official website for the Secretary of State provides the portal for registration. Be sure you know your Social Security Number and have your driver’s license on hand, as you’ll need to use them in the form.
Printing a physical registration:
You also have the option of mailing a physical registration form. This method can be simplified by filling out a copy of the form online before printing it, signing it, and mailing it. Filling it out online and printing requires the same information as registering completely online, so have access to your SSN and driver’s license before visiting this website. Once you’ve filled it out, click “Open Printer Friendly PDF”. You’re now ready to print out your form, which automatically includes additional information on where to send it. Ensure that you have physically signed the form at the bottom of the first page.
Similarly, you will be able to find the same form at these locations:
- The office of the Secretary of State (which is in Columbus)
- The office of any of the 88 county Boards of Elections (Montgomery county’s office is in downtown Dayton)
- The office of the registrar or any deputy registrar of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (of which there are multiple in the Dayton area)
- Public libraries (any of the nearly 20 in and around Dayton)
- Public high schools or vocational schools (and at MVS, later on in the year)
- County treasurers’ offices (Montgomery county’s office is at the same address as the Board of Elections)
Both processes of registration with a physical form are the same, and are described on the form itself. The address the form must be sent to will change depending on the county that you live in.
You will receive confirmation of your successful registration and eligibility to vote once your registration has been processed.
No matter which method you choose, registering to vote gives you the power to help create positive change in your community. If you are eligible to vote in the November 7th Ohio general elections, register as soon as you can! The deadline for registration is October 10th. Any questions? You may find an answer here. If you don’t, feel free to reach out to Dr. Peterson. More announcements will be made throughout the year. Happy voting!
