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Voting

We have gathered together all the information that you need to ensure that you can practice your right to vote in Richland County.  Our staff is also ready to help guide you in the right direction for answers to any questions you might have in the registration process.

Where do I Vote?

Find your voting location, sample ballot, look up your voter registration status and more at VOTEOHIO.GOV  
 

Qualifications to Vote

According to the Ohio Secretary of State, you must meet the following qualifications to be eligible to vote:

  • You are a citizen of the United States
  • You will be at least 18 years old on or before the day of the next general election
  • You will be a resident of Ohio for at least 30 days immediately before the election in which you want to vote
  • You are not incarcerated for a felony conviction under the laws of Ohio, another state, or the United States
  • You have not been declared incompetent for voting purposes by a probate court
  • You have not been permanently disenfranchised for violating the election laws

Register to Vote

You must register to vote no later than 30 days before an election. You can pick up a voter registration form at any of our library branches or the form can be downloaded.

The library will be happy to hand deliver your registration form or you can send your form to the:
Richland County Board of Elections
1495 West Longview Ave., Suite 101
Mansfield, OH  44906

The Ohio Secretary of State also offers the option of registering to vote online. You will need to provide an Ohio driver’s license or Ohio identification card number, name, date of birth, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Early Voting

You may vote early at the Richland County Board of Elections beginning 28 days before an election. Please refer to the Ohio Secretary of State’s 2024 Ohio Elections Calendar for early voting times.

Absentee Ballot

If you are unable to make it to vote in person or would prefer to look over your ballot at home, you can fill out a printable absentee ballot application or pick one up at the library. The library would be happy to hand-deliver your completed application to the Board of Elections or if you prefer, you can mail it to the Richland County Board of Elections.   

Sample Ballot

Be prepared to vote by looking at your ballot ahead of time. The Richland County Board of Elections provides voters a Registration Information Sample Ballot.

Maps

Learn About Candidates / Issues

Important Dates 2024

February 20: Deadline for voter registration for March 19 presidential primary election (30 days before presidential primary election)
 
February 21: Absentee voting by mail & early in-person voting begins for primary election 
 
March 19: Presidential Primary Election Day. Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
 
July 8: Deadline for voter registration for Aug. 6 special election (30 days before special election)
 
August 6: Special Election may be held. Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m
 
October 7: Deadline for voter registration for Nov. 5 general election (30 days before the general election)
 
October 8: Absentee voting by mail & early in-person voting begins for general election 
 
November 5: General Election Day. Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Mansfield/Richland County Public Library subject guides are assembled by our reference team. Please contact the reference department at 419.521.3110 if you would like more help with this subject.
Last updated on 9/10/21

Happy Holidays! All library locations will be closed on Dec. 24, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1. All locations will close at 5 PM on Dec. 31. (Our Richland Mall Ontario branch will close at 4 PM). First Call 2-1-1 is available 24/7, 365 days a year.