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Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State Votes Students on the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Campus

Your Vote. Your Future.


They say young people don’t vote—prove them wrong. Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State Votes is here to make sure you have everything you need to break the mold and show up at the polls. Your vote isn’t just a choice; it’s a statement that your generation is ready to lead, inspire and create change.
 

Important Dates

Ohio's voter registration deadline is Oct. 7, 2024
Absentee and in-person early voting begin Oct. 8, 2024
Election Day is Nov. 5, 2024.

Your Complete Voting Toolkit

1. Eligibility

Determine if you are eligible.

You can vote in U.S. elections if you:

  • Are a U.S. citizen
  • Meet your state’s residency requirements
    • You can be experiencing homelessness and still meet these requirements
    • College students are entitled to register and vote in the community that they regard as their principal residence
  • Are 18 years old on or before Election Day
    • In almost every state, you can register to vote before you turn 18 if you will be 18 by Election Day (this is the case in Ohio)
  • Are registered to vote by your state’s registration deadline (Ohio’s is Oct. 7)
2. Registration Status

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 general election, you must complete your registration by Oct. 7.

3. How to Register by Oct. 7

Get registered now.

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

4. Understanding the Ballot

Research your ballot.

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

5. Voting - How, When and Where?

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.

6. Finalize Your Voting Plan

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.

Choose Your Timing

Plan when you'll vote. Early voting offers flexibility, while Election Day voting might mean planning around your schedule. Make sure you’re aware of any deadlines!

Find Your Location

If you’re voting in person, . Use the resources available to confirm where you need to go, whether it's a designated polling station or dropbox.

Plan Ahead

Know dates, times and directions. Consider potential drive times and wait times at polling places. Prepare early to make voting easy and stress-free!

Prefer an interactive guide to your next steps? Want to skip all the reading?  
See our Quick Start Voter Guide to get access to the resources you need.

Quick Start Voter Guide

Events

MAC Votes Challenge

The MAC Votes Challenge is in its first year of existence. Our fellow universities throughout the Mid-American Athletic Conference are competing against each other to see which school’s student body and athletic department best support students’ voter engagement, register to vote, and turn out to vote. 

One way any student can help Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State succeed in this challenge is to submit a pledge to vote. The pledge will count toward Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State’s overall total, which is one of the criteria taken into consideration when determining the MAC Votes Challenge winner.

Flashes Vote Festival

Flashes Vote Festival is an annual collaborative non-partisan event hosted by Undergraduate Student Government to bring together student organizations and campus departments to generate civic enthusiasm and increase voter registration ahead of the upcoming general election.

Join student leaders, Flash and President Diacon for a chance to get all your voting questions answered, register to vote and grab a free T-shirt!

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 17 
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Location: Risman Plaza

Post-Election Reflections: Navigating Emotions and Wellness in the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State Community

Please join us as we process the recent impacts of the presidential election. Whether the votes are still being counted or a winner has been projected, we have witnessed strong feelings and attitudes expressed during this campaign cycle. The election represents many different values to members of the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State community. This discussion will allow community members to process the election and provide wellness tips as we head into the winter months.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 7 
Time: 4 -5 p.m. 
Location: Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Student Center 313

More Events

  • Get informed with the Zetas
    • Sept. 11
    • 7:20 p.m.
    • Oscar Ritchie Hall
  • Constitution Week
    • Monday, Sept. 16 - Friday, Sept. 20
    • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    • Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University Geauga and Twinsburg Academic Center
  • Voter Registration and Education Workshop
    • Monday, Sept. 16
    • 6 - 7:30 p.m.
    • Pepsi Leadership Center (KSC 220)
  • Read-in @ Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State
    • Wednesday, Sept. 25
    • 5:30 - 7 p.m.
    • 226 Taylor Hall
  • LGBTQ+ Protests and Demonstrations Panel
    • Monday, Sept. 30
    • 5 - 7 p.m.
    • KSC Ballroom Balcony

Contact Us

Questions? Contact Us!

Craig Berger 
Associate Director, Community Engaged Learning 
cberge11@kent.edu

Zach Graves
Director of Governmental Affairs, USG 
zgraves1@kent.edu

Barb Hipsman Springer 
Faculty Emerita, School of Media and Journalism 
bhipsman@kent.edu