If you're not registered to vote

When is the deadline to register for the May 2, 2006 primary?
30 calendar days before the May election, or April 3.

When is the deadline to register for the November 7, 2006 General Election?
30 calendar days before the Nov.election, or October 10.

Do I have to join a political party to vote in the May primary?
Yes, if you want to vote on candidates. If you don’t join a party, you are an independent voter and can vote only on issues. The way you join is to go to the polling place you have been assigned to and tell the officials there which party’s ballot you want. They will mark your party affiliation in the poll book.

If I register to vote, will I be called for jury duty?
Maybe, maybe not. Courts can use records of licensed drivers as well as voting records to select a pool of jurors.

Can I vote if I have been convicted of a felony?
Yes, in Ohio. But you must register 30 days before the election.

I’m 17 years old. I’ll be 18 before the November 7 general election. Can I register to vote now?
Yes.

I want to vote by absentee ballot. How can I do that?
You must be registered to vote 30 days before the election. To get an application for an absentee ballot, call your Board of Elections. Ask them to mail you an absentee ballot application. Fill it out and mail it in with the required ID. The instructions will tell you what you need. You no longer have to give a reason why you want to vote absentee.

Where can I register to vote? Do I need ID to register?
You can register at any board of elections, at most public libraries, at motor vehicle bureaus, and many other places. You must provide your birth date, and either your drivers’ license number or the last 4 digits of your social security number.