Students across campus are gearing up for the November election and for many, this will be their first time voting.  

There are multiple procedures for voting and registration due to students’ varying circumstances, such as living in-state or out-of-state while attending Kent State. 

Due to these varying circumstances and procedures, this voter’s guide is here to help fellow students properly cast their ballot this election. 

Registering to vote in-state

Ohio residents attending Kent State can register to vote by visiting the library’s main circulation desk. Students must bring an Ohio picture ID, such as a driver’s license or state issued ID. 

Students can also register to vote online, however, using the paper registration form is encouraged. Online voting requires an Ohio driver’s license or another form of Ohio ID. 

Registering to vote out-of-state

Out-of-state students can register to vote once they’ve been an Ohio resident for at least 30 days. Once students have reached this period, they can register using the last four digits of their social security number.  

Filling out the paper registration form can take place at the library’s main circulation desk. 

ID from another state will not be accepted—non-Ohio residents are still required to have some form of an Ohio ID to register online. Students can obtain an Ohio ID, but this would mean foregoing their home state ID which affects financial aid and insurance policies. 

If on-campus students are planning to vote in their home state’s election, students can check their secretary of state election website for more information regarding voter registration, deadlines and identification requirements. 

Voting on-campus or in Kent

Students who used their on-campus address will be assigned to vote at three different polling locations: the Christian Life Center, the Kent State Recreation and Wellness Center and the United Methodist Church of Kent. Students must bring a photo ID to their assigned location. Passports can also be used as a form of identification. 

To vote early in person, travel to the Portage County Board of Elections during special days and hours when early voting is allowed. A photo ID is also required for this step.

Voting as an Ohioan 

If Ohio resident students used a different address than their campus address, they will be assigned a polling location depending on the address they used to register. An ID will also be necessary.

To vote by mail, students must request an absentee ballot. There are absentee ballot forms available at the library’s main circulation desk. Students will need the last four digits of their social security number or an ID. Absentee ballots can arrive as early as Oct. 8. The ballot should be completed, stamped and mailed back to the county board of elections by Oct. 22 to ensure its timely arrival. 

Voting out-of-state 

Out-of-state students are advised to request an absentee ballot from their home state. This ballot will be sent to students’ campus addresses, where they can complete it and mail it back. Students should visit the Kent State Voting Portal and Vote411.org for specific voting information related to their state. 

Some states may require an excuse for voting absentee, a witness signature, a notary and a photo ID copy. 

Dates to remember 

• Oct. 6: Deadline to request an absentee vote by mail application.
• Oct. 7: Voter registration deadline. 
• Oct. 8: Early in-person voting and voting by mail begins. 
• Oct. 29: Absentee ballot application deadline.
• Nov. 4: Deadline to postmark absentee ballots returned by mail.
• Nov. 5: General election day (polls open 6:30 a.m – 7:30 p.m.). 
• Nov. 9: Absentee ballots mailed must arrive by this day at boards of elections to be counted. 

Helpful voting resources 

For more information and resources visit Kent State Votes, Vote411.org and the Ohio Secretary of State website. 

John Engoglia is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].