Ohioans can now register to vote online

Ohioans can now register to vote online for future elections.

Prior to this year, Ohioans had to register to vote on paper.

To register online, go to www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/

Currently 31 states and Washington, D.C., allow voters to register online.

The next election is set for May 2. Voters will decide tax issues, school levies and elections for some local offices such as city councils and mayors.

Gov. John Kasich signed Senate Bill 63, allowing online registration, back in June, but it is just now taking effect. The decision was made not to have the law take effect before the 2016 presidential election.

The information submitted online for voter registration will be checked against records with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. To register to vote online will require a driver’s license or a state-issued ID card. Ohioans who don’t have one of those IDs, will have to register to vote on paper.

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted said online voter registration is more secure than paper registration because the system will immediately check a voter’s eligibility prior to accepting the registration. Husted said this reduces the risk of human error.

Arizona was the first state to allow online voter registration back in 2002. Every state around Ohio, except Michigan, has online voter registration.

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