Calling Ohio: 100,000 18-year-olds remain unregistered to vote
They have until Oct. 10 to get registered for the Nov. 7 election.
Ohioans are set to go to the polls on November 7, 2023 to vote on two important ballot issues: whether to protect abortion rights in the state constitution and whether to legalize recreational marijuana.
But as of just a few weeks ago, more than 100,000 18-year-olds were not yet registered to vote. They will be disenfranchised and barred from voting in that election unless they register between now and October 10, the cutoff date for voter registration.
The Civics Center’s Future Voter Scorecards provide a county-by-county breakdown. The top 10 most populous counties are below, and for a full state view click here.
Here’s what you need to know about the numbers.
As of August 26, 2023, just 36,000 of the state’s more than 150,000 18-year-olds had registered to vote, a statewide voter registration rate of just 23.4%.
In the most populous county, Franklin County, , where Columbus is located, only 22.5% of 18-year-olds are registered.
In the second most populous county, Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is located, 26.5% of 18-year-olds are registered.
In the third most populous county, Hamilton County, where Cincinnati is located and where many cities will be having important local elections, 24.5% of 18-year-olds are registered.
Those figures are well below the roughly 30% of 18-year-olds who were registered nationwide nationwide at the time of the 2022 midterm election, (according to US Census data).
It doesn’t have to be this way. You can help Ohio youth turnout by sending this post to everyone you know in Ohio, and ask them to let others know about these numbers and that they can make a difference. If you’re already in Ohio, tell your friends and family. Tell high school educators and officials.
Those with a driver’s license or state ID can register online here. If you live in Ohio and don’t have a state ID, you can still register by printing out this form and mailing it in. Note that you’ll need an ID to vote, so check out this recent post from VoteRiders, and get your ID as well, today.
Ohio youth, your officials need to hear from you! Make our democracy stronger by registering today.