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To cast a ballot in Ohio, you must be pre-registered; you can’t just walk in and show ID. Keep in mind that you must register to vote by the deadline, October 5. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to vote in this election, but you can prepare to register for the next one.

How to Register in Kent as an Off-Campus Student

You have two options for registering to vote: online or using a paper form. Registration using the paper form is strongly encouraged.

Any student who is a U.S. citizen has the legal right to register to vote here in Kent, provided that you live here most of the year IF, AND ONLY IF, YOU HAVE A PASSPORT WITH YOU AS YOUR FORM OF ID.

Questions? Contact Us!

Craig Berger 
Associate Director, Civic and Community Engagement
Center for Student Involvement 
cberge11@kent.edu

Rick Skains
Director of Governmental Affairs, USG 
rskains@kent.edu

Barb Hipsman Springer 
Faculty Emerita, School of Media and Journalism 
League of Women Voters-Kent
bhipsman@kent.edu

Choose Your Place

Decide where you'll cast your vote. Whether you prefer voting in person at a polling location or sending in an absentee ballot, make sure you know your options.

Choose Your Method

Determine how you want to vote. Will you vote early, on Election Day, or by mail? Each option has different steps, so pick the one that fits your needs best.

Know your voting options and cast your vote!

Explore the different methods of voting available to you, whether it's in-person on Election Day, early voting, or voting by mail. Stay informed about your voting options and locations and ensure you’re prepared to participate in the upcoming election.

Research your ballot.

Before you cast your vote, it's crucial to understand what’s on your ballot.

Get registered now.

Learn how to register to vote as an Ohio resident or out-of-state student.

Check your registration status.

If you're unsure whether you're registered to vote, it's a good idea to . Ensuring that your registration is accurate and active is crucial for a smooth voting experience.

If you aren't registered to vote, be sure to register before the deadline. In Ohio, you must register at least 30 days before Election Day. For the upcoming November 3, 2026 general election, you must complete your registration by Monday, October 5, 2026.