Key Deadlines

Voting & Postmark Deadlines

• Oct 5th - Last day to register to vote
• October 31st - Deadline to request absentee ballot
• November 2nd - Ballots must be postmarked to be received by mail
• November 3rd - Ballots must be dropped off at Board of Elections (BOE) by close of polls (7:30pm)
• Ballot request form must be received by noon
• Drop Off/Mail Instructions: When mailing either a ballot request form or the completed ballot, postage must be provided by the voter.

Requesting Ballots

How to Request Absentee Ballot

• Print this application
• Call (614.466.2585) - Press 1 to request absentee ballot
• Pick up at county Board of Elections

How to Complete Request Form

Request form will ask:

• Full Name (name used when registered to vote)
• Date of birth
• Full registration address, including county
• Address where ballot should be mailed, if different from your registration address
• Phone number (optional, but suggested)
• Email address (optional, but suggested)
• Voter will specify ‘General Election’ ballot
• Sign and date (clear, legible and should match signature on Voter Registration file
• For trans and non-binary/GNC folks, the name used must be the name on file when voter registered. For more info, please see Notes for Trans and Non-Binary/GNC folks section.
• Voting IDs (see below which IDs meet requirements below)

Necessary Voting IDs

In order to complete a ballot, a voter will need to provide one of the following:

• Your driver's license number (which begins with two alphabet letters followed by six numbers)
• The last four digits of your Social Security number
• A photocopy of a current and valid photo ID or a military ID
• A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows your name and current address.

Notes for Trans and Non-Binary/GNC folks

Trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming voters face additional challenges with voting.

• The name used on the request forms and ballots must be the name on file when the voter registered. If another name is used, a BOE may ask the voter to fill out a provisional ballot.
• Names on file can be updated by registering before the Ohio voter registration deadline (Oct. 5th)
• Mismatched gender markers on ID’s are not a valid reason to deny a ballot. As long as you can be identified from your ID, you should be able to vote.
• For more information, please see this Voting While Trans Guide from the National Center for Transgender Equality.

Track Your Ballot

• Ballot tracking here
• Contact this hotline if you have trouble receiving, tracking or sending your ballot. 866.Our.Vote or 1.866.687.8683. You may also reference the Ohio Secretary of State: 614.466.2585.

What to do if You Have Problems with Your Ballot

If for some reason you request your ballot and do not receive it, you can still vote early at a polling location to avoid crowds, or vote on Election Day. Find your polling location later this fall.

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