Office of Student Life

Your Student Life: Voting Information

October 29, 2024

There is information you need to know before heading to the polls on Election Day, including the forms of identification you’ll need and the location of your polling location. OSU Votes is a student-led movement to register, educate and encourage other students to vote. This nonpartisan group fosters civic engagement at The Ohio State University.

Identification:
All voters in Ohio must bring one form of photo ID with them to vote on Election Day or in-person early. If you are voting in your home state, please check their requirements. In Ohio, acceptable forms of photo ID include the following:  

  • Ohio driver's license
  • State of Ohio ID card 
  • Interim ID form issued by the Ohio BMV
  • A US passport
  • A US passport card
  • US military ID card 
  • Ohio National Guard ID card 
  • US Department of Veterans Affairs ID card  

All photo IDs must have the following:  

  • An expiration date that has not passed  
  • A photograph of the voter 
  • The voter’s name, which must substantially conform to the voter’s name as it appears in the Poll List or in the Poll Book 

Unacceptable forms of identification include: 

  • Driver’s license or photo identification card issued by a state other than Ohio 
  • OSU Statement of account
  • BuckID
  • Social Security card
  • Birth certificate
  • Insurance car 
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Government check
  • Paycheck
  • Other government document 
  • Any registration acknowledgment notice from the county board of elections 

For more information, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. 

Location:
If you need help finding your polling location in Ohio, use the online Find My Polling Location tool to find your polling place so you know where to go on Election Day.   

Stress:
One additional note, from Student Life Counseling and Consultation Service: Many college students feel passionate about social and political issues. At the same time, current events, including elections, come with unique stressors. While there is no one skill that eliminates all the stress you may be experiencing, there are some habits and strategies we recommend:

·         Prioritize basic needs such as getting enough sleep, nutrition, and hydration

·         Maintain a healthy balance between staying informed and becoming overwhelmed by the content you’re consuming, especially when it comes to social media and the news

·         Take breaks to engage in positive distractions such as time with friends, hobbies, and movement

·         Reflect on what is in your control and focus on what you can manage.

·         Set boundaries with yourself and others when it comes to discussing topics that bring about strong emotions

Click here for a comprehensive list of resources for support and ways to engage on campus   

 

OSU Votes
Office of Student Life