Change Your Party Registration at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles or Your County Board of Elections

You can change your party affiliation in Ohio by submitting a form to either your county board of elections or the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The process takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Your new affiliation takes effect when ready, though it may not show in the system for a few days.

Ohio does not require you to declare a party affiliation to vote. However, if you are registered with a party, you can only vote in that party's primary election. Changing your affiliation before a primary lets you vote in a different party's primary that year.

You do not need to change your registration to vote in general elections — all voters can vote in those regardless of party affiliation.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your party affiliation through your county board of elections in person, by mail, or online, or through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
  • The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few days to appear in the voter registration system.
  • You must change your affiliation before the primary election important date if you want to vote in a specific party's primary that year.
  • Ohio allows you to vote in general elections without any party affiliation, so changing is only necessary if you want to participate in a primary.

Change Your Affiliation Through Your County Board of Elections

Your county board of elections is the fastest way to change your party affiliation. Find your county board's contact information and office location at elections.ohio.gov — search for your county name. Most boards accept changes in person during business hours, by mail, or through an online form on their website.

If you go in person, bring a photo ID and your voter registration card if you have it. You will fill out a short form with your name, address, and new party choice. The staff will process it on the spot. If you mail the form, send it to the address listed on your county board's website and allow one to two weeks for processing.

Some counties offer online registration changes through their websites. Check your county board's page to see if this option is available where you live.

Change Your Affiliation at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles

If you have an Ohio driver's license or state ID, you can change your party affiliation when you renew or update your license at any BMV office. You do not have to wait for your license to expire — you can request an update at any time.

Tell the BMV staff member that you want to change your party affiliation. They will ask you which party you want to register with and update your voter registration record. Bring your current driver's license or state ID and a second form of identification. The change is processed when ready.

important date for Primary Elections

If you want to vote in a primary election, you must change your party affiliation by the important date set for that primary. In Ohio, the important date is typically 30 days before the primary election, though this can vary. Check your county board of elections website or elections.ohio.gov for the exact important date for the primary you plan to vote in.

If you miss the important date, you can still vote in the general election in November, but you will not be able to vote in that year's primary. You can change your affiliation after the primary important date passes, and it will be in effect for future elections.

What Happens If You Have No Party Affiliation

You can register to vote in Ohio without choosing any party affiliation. If you do this, you can vote in general elections but not in primary elections. Some counties call this status "no party affiliation" or "independent," though Ohio does not use the term "independent" officially.

If you want to vote in a primary election later, you will need to change your registration to a party affiliation before that primary's important date.

Changing Your Affiliation Multiple Times

Ohio allows you to change your party affiliation as many times as you want. However, if you change your affiliation and then want to change it again before a primary election, you must do so before that primary's important date. After the primary has passed, you can change your affiliation at any time without restriction.

Some voters change their affiliation each election cycle to vote in different primaries. This is permitted under Ohio law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my party affiliation online in Ohio?

Some counties offer online changes through their board of elections websites. Visit your county board's page to see if this option is available. If not, you can change by mail or in person at the board's office.

What if I move to a different county in Ohio?

You must update your voter registration with your new address and can change your party affiliation at the same time. Contact your new county board of elections or update your registration through the BMV when you get a new driver's license.

Do I have to declare a party to vote in Ohio?

No. You can register with no party affiliation and still vote in general elections. You only need a party affiliation if you want to vote in primary elections.

How long does it take to see my change in the system?

Changes made in person at your county board or BMV take effect when ready, though they may take a few days to appear in the online voter registration lookup system. Changes by mail typically take one to two weeks.

Can I change my affiliation on Election Day?

No. You must change your affiliation before the important date set for that election. For primary elections, the important date is usually 30 days before. Check your county board's website for the exact date.