Ohio 18-year-olds are registering to vote in greater numbers; 100,000 remain unregistered

35% increase in just over 4 months

According to new data analyzed by The Civics Center,  as of January 6, 2024, there are 48,684 18-year-olds registered to vote in Ohio, compared with 36,153 in late August. That’s a 35% increase (roughly 3,000 additional 18-year-old registered voters every month).

Maintaining or increasing this pace of new registrations will add tens of thousands of additional 18-year-olds to the voter registration rolls by the general election in November.

Young Ohioans may be responding to several high-stakes political controversies including bribery scandals and gerrymandering. Legislative moves and ballot measures could also be spurring these gains: 

• The passage of one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country 

• An unsuccessful effort to lock in that law by making it difficult to amend the state constitution

• An initiative that now protects abortion rights in the state constitution 

• Legislation to abolish gender affirming care for trans youth 

• A signature-gathering campaign to create an independent redistricting
  commission and stop partisan gerrymandering in the state 

The Future Voter Scorecard below provides further details regarding gains in voter registration rates among the 18-year-olds in the state’s most populous counties.

More than 100,000 18-year-olds in Ohio remain unregistered to vote as of January 2024. Many more who are 17 today and who will be 18 by the November 5 election also remain unregistered. 

The Ohio deadline to register to vote in November is October 7. Young people need not wait until they are 18 before registering. Ohio residents who are US citizens and who will be 18 by November 5, 2024 can register today. 

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According to US Census data, in every presidential election going back to 2004, more than 75% of registered youth have  turned out to vote.  

Here’s how you can help:

Enabling young people in Ohio to have an equal voice in 2024 requires renewed commitment to organizing and outreach. Wherever you live, here are some of the best ways we know to make a difference. 

1. Run A Drive in high school

2. Share our voter registration link with an 18-year-old friend

3. Write letters to households with teens
   Sign up at the bottom of any page on our website to receive details on our next campaign 

4. Follow and share our work on social media
   You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and Substack.

5. Donate to support our work

With appreciation to Thomas Hutto and Tony Shen, who contributed to this report.