The Center for the Study of American Democracy (CSAD) is Kenyon's nonpartisan public affairs institution. We promote student participation in democracy and provide nonpartisan services to educate voters about the process, issues and candidates. We do not endorse or support any candidate or party.

Official Voting Information

States differ significantly in their registration and voting processes and deadlines. Find out how to register and vote in every state or territory at vote.gov. 

Additional Information

Steps to Voting in Ohio

What you need to know for the Nov. 5, 2024 General Election.

Key Dates for the 2024 Election

  • Oct. 7: Deadline to register to vote.
  • Oct. 8: First day of early in-person voting at the Board of Elections or absentee voting by mail.
  • Oct. 29: Absolute deadline for Knox County Board of Elections to receive your absentee ballot request.
  • Nov. 4 (before 4 p.m.): Postmark and mail your absentee ballot at the Gambier Post Office. 
  • Nov. 5: Election day! Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots are accepted until 7:30 p.m. at the Knox County Board of Elections (and not accepted at polling places).

Ways to Vote 

In-Person

View identification requirements.

  • In-person early voting at the Board of Elections Office (104 E. Sugar St., Mount Vernon). Early voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 8, and ends Sunday, Nov. 3. Hours and weekends for voting increase as we get closer to election day. View the schedule.  

  • Election Day. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Kenyon students (and Gambier residents) vote at the Gambier Community Center on Meadow Lane, open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Voting by Mail

Identification: If you do not have an identification document allowing you to vote in person, and are a registered Ohio voter, you can vote with an “absentee ballot” (that is, by mail). The absentee ballot uses the last digits of your social security number as identification.

Request an absentee ballot: In Ohio, you must request the absentee ballot by filling out and printing an application and mailing or delivering it to the Board of Elections Office (104 E. Sugar St., Mount Vernon OH 43050) to arrive by Oct. 29. To mail your ballot request, get a stamp at the Gambier Post Office window, which is open until 4 p.m. weekdays, plus Saturday mornings. While you are there, buy a second stamp to use to return your completed ballot.