Vote Early
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What you need to know about casting an Absent Voter Ballot by mail or in person

FAQ

1.) Who is eligible to vote by absent voter ballot? 2. ) How do I submit my request for an absent voter ballot? 3.) What information is required when requesting an absent voter ballot? 4. ) For my absent voter ballot to count, how, when, and where do I need to return my completed ballot? 5.) What about special elections?

State law—enacted in 2006 —allows any Ohioan to vote in person or by mail up to 35 days before an election without having to state a reason why. DOWNLOAD FORM (PDF)

Find out when and where you can vote early through your local Board of Elections office or look up your early vote location with this online tool.

For some voters this is an added convenience given their work schedules, family commitments, or the traditionally long line at their poll location.

2 things to remember:

1. Applications for an Absent Voter/Vote by Mail Ballot must be submitted to the county board of elections three days in advance of election day — the upcoming application deadline is Saturday, May 2, 2009, at noon. However, to ensure the board of election sends the ballot on time, you should submit the application much sooner.
   
   
   
2. Once you request an Absent Voter Ballot, you must be sure to complete the voting form and return it by mail or in person. Otherwise, if you lose it or forget to send it back, you would only be able to cast a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are not counted on Election Day and are more likely to be invalidated.

To vote by mail
Download an Absent Voter Ballot application (PDF) or fill out the form at your county board of elections. To apply, all you need is ONE of the following:

• Your driver’s license number, OR ...
• The last four digits of your Social Security number, OR...
• A copy of a valid photo I.D., bank statement, utility bill or pay check showing your name and address.

Absent voting begins 35 days before an election (March 31, 2009, for the May 5 Primary Election) and goes until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day when ballots can be turned in directly to county boards of election.

Applications for an absent voter ballot can be received by county boards of election as late the Saturday before Election Day. However, we strongly advise voters to get the application in much earlier than that.

When returning the ballot by mail, you should also allow enough time for county boards of election to receive it by the day before the election day.

See Related

Absent Voter Application (pdf) - Complete and return this form to request an absent voter ballot.

FAQ on Absent Voter Ballot

Ohio Secretary of State's website - Elections & Ballot Issues

Where do I vote?

Early vote location look up tool

Vote in person at your Ohio county board of elections office or a designated location