Ohio Absentee Voter Guide

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Important Deadlines

• Voter Registration Form: Postmarked at least 30 days before the election
• Absentee Ballot Application: Received by noon on the 3rd day (usually the Saturday) before the election
• Voted Absentee Ballot: Postmarked no later than the day BEFORE the election and received by the board of elections no later than 10 days after the election

How to vote by absentee ballot

Register to vote

Recommended: Use our Voter Registration Widget.  Enter your information, print and sign the completed form, and mail it to the address printed on the form. 

You can also use the Ohio Voter Registration Form.  Mail your completed form to County Board of Elections.

Verify your registration

It's best to verify your voter registration before applying for your absentee ballot.  If there's a problem with your registration, register again before proceeding.

NOTE: Most people receive their voter registration cards in the mail 2-3 weeks after registering to vote. Don't worry if you lost or never received it. You don't actually need your voter registration card to vote.

Apply for your absentee ballot

Good news! Any registered Ohio voter can vote by absentee ballot.

NOTE: You may begin applying for your absentee on January 1 of the year of the election, or 90 days prior to the election, whichever date is earlier.

Download and complete the Ohio Absentee Ballot Application.  Mail or hand-deliver your completed absentee ballot application to your County Board of Elections.

Receive, complete, and return your absentee ballot

The absentee ballot itself is pretty straightforward.  Fill it out, sign where indicated, and mail or hand-deliver your voted ballot to your County Board of Elections.  Your voted ballot must be received by the close of polls on election day.  If you can't return your ballot yourself, and immediate family member can bring deliver it for you to your County Board of Elections. 

NOTE: If you are outside the United States on election day, your absentee ballot envelope must be signed or postmarked prior to the close of polls, and received by the Board of Elections no later than 10 days after the election or 20 days after the presidential primary election

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to provide ID when I apply for my absentee ballot in Ohio?

You need to include your Ohio driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number on your absentee ballot application.  If you don't have one of these numbers, then you must a copy of your identification.  Acceptable ID includes: a current and valid photo ID that shows your name; a military identification that shows your name; or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document (other than a voter registration notification mailed by a board of elections) that shows your name and address.

Can I vote in person before the election in Ohio?

Yes. Check out our Early Voting page for details.

Additional Information