Rep. Sykes celebrates victory for Ohio voters Online voter registration begins Jan. 1

AKRON, Ohio— State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) today applauded news that Ohioans will be able to register to vote online starting at midnight on Jan. 1, 2017. Ohio's new online registration system was enabled by Senate Bill 63, which was passed by the legislature and signed into law earlier this summer. "I believe Ohioans should have the same level of access to the democratic process as Americans in the majority of states, where online voter registration is convenient, accurate and cost effective," said Sykes. "This is an important, long overdue step in the right direction to increase voter participation in our state." Starting Jan. 1, to register online an eligible Ohio voter will simply need to visit the secretary of state's website, complete the online registration form, and click submit. The secretary of state's office will verify the voter's eligibility and send the form to the appropriate county board of elections. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 31 states plus the District of Columbia already offer online voter registration. Six states have passed legislation to create online voter registration systems, but have not yet implemented them.