Watch for Absentee Ballot Applications in the Mail

September 6, 2016 / voting

If you are registered to vote, you should receive an application for an absentee ballot in the mail shortly after Labor Day.

If you want to vote by mail here is what you need to do:

1. Fill out the application when you get it

2. Send it to your local board of elections.

It is best to do this as soon as you can, but the county boards of elections must receive the request for an absentee ballot by noon on Saturday, November 5th.

You can either mail it back or can deliver it in person.

3. Watch for your absentee ballot in the mail

4. Complete the ballot

5. Return your ballot to your local board of elections. Check to make sure you have enough postage!

It is best to do this as soon as you can. November 7, the day before Election Day, is the last day you can send your ballot in the mail. However, you or an eligible family member can return the ballot in person to your local board of elections by 7:30pm on Election Day.

If you do not receive an application for an absentee ballot in the mail you should check to make sure you are registered to vote and your address is correct. You can do this on the Ohio Secretary of State's website.

You can also get a copy of the application for an absentee ballot on the Ohio Secretary of State website.

Absentee voting is not the only way to cast a ballot before Election Day. Early, in-person voting is also an option. Watch for another Voter Alert from Disability Rights Ohio soon with details about early voting.