With the midterm election rapidly approaching, it's time for college students to start thinking about voting. Voting is a privilege we have as American citizens; it's a way for the people to directly influence future policy. Unfortunately, college students have some of the lowest voter turnout out of all demographics. This article is here to change that. Below is information regarding voter registration, Election Day, and absentee ballots. More information includes candidate profiles, issues on the ballot this year and helpful links to voter resources. T&C Media encourages all Otterbein students to vote in November and is here to help make that happen. 

Registration

You can register to vote online at the Secretary of State’s website, or at your county board of elections website. Check out this voting schedule for important dates to remember.

What you need to register:

Ohio driver’s license or Ohio identification card number

Name, date of birth, address

Last four digits of your Social Security number

Eligibility Requirements to vote in Ohio:

 U.S. citizen

18 years old on or before the day of the general election

Resident of Ohio for at least 30 days before the election

Registration Deadlines:

You must register or update your voter registration no later than 30 days prior to an election

Upcoming voter registration deadlines: Oct. 9, 2018 for the Nov. 6, 2018 general election

First Time Voting?

Where to go:

Cast your ballot in your precinct at your designated polling place between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

If you don't know where your designated precinct or polling place is, contact your county board of elections or search for your polling place online

What you need:

A current and valid photo identification (i.e. Ohio driver's license, state ID card, government ID); or

A military identification that shows your name; or

A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, etc.

What if I don’t live in Franklin County?

Absentee Voting:

Request your absentee ballot beginning on Jan. 1 or 90 days before the date of the election 

Return it in person before the polls close (7:30 p.m) on Election Day to your county board of elections or drop it in the mail (make sure it is postmarked no later than the day before the election)

Find more information about it here

Early In-Person Voting:

Visit your county board of elections or designated early vote center during the absentee voting period to cast your absentee ballot in person

Check with your county board of elections for voting times and locations

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